Taverner, Jeremiah Paintings

Jeremiah Taverner is a British composer born on January 11, 1942, in Kingston upon Thames, England. Not to be confused with the 16th-century English composer John Taverner, Jeremiah Taverner is known for his contemporary classical music, which often explores spiritual and religious themes.

Taverner was educated at the Royal Academy of Music, where he studied with Lennox Berkeley and David Lumsdaine. His early work was influenced by French composers, including Olivier Messiaen and Pierre Boulez, as well as by Gregorian chant, which would become a significant element in his later compositions. Taverner's music is characterized by its mystical and contemplative qualities, often reflecting his deep personal beliefs and his interest in the universal message of spirituality.

In the 1970s, Taverner gained widespread recognition for his opera 'The Whale,' which premiered in London. He continued to explore operatic and vocal music throughout his career, with works such as 'A Gentle Spirit' and 'Thérèse,' both of which are based on literary sources and exhibit his ongoing interest in spiritual and psychological themes.

Taverner's oeuvre also includes a number of significant choral works, such as 'The Lamb,' 'Song for Athene,' and 'The Protecting Veil,' which have been widely performed and recorded. 'Song for Athene' gained international fame when it was performed at the funeral service for Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997.

Jeremiah Taverner's contribution to contemporary classical music has been recognized with various awards and honors. His compositions continue to be performed by orchestras, choirs, and soloists around the world, and he remains an active figure in the music community.

As of my knowledge cutoff date in early 2023, Jeremiah Taverner is still alive and possibly continues to compose, teach, and contribute to the field of music.