The Contemporary Music Centre regrets the passing of the composer James Wilson who died on 6 August 2005 at the age of 82.

James Wilson was born in London and came to live in Ireland in the late 1940s. He was professor of composition in the Royal Irish Academy of Music and was also for many years a course director of the Ennis/IMRO Composition Summer School, where generations of now-established Irish composers benefited from his thorough and patient training.

His extensive output has been performed and broadcast throughout Ireland, the UK and Scandinavia. It includes seven operas (he was working on the eighth at the time of his death), three symphonies and twelve concertos as well as numerous vocal, chamber and instrumental works.

New works recently performed include Chiaroscuro for solo cello and Consequences for flute, harp and viola, as well as Almanac, a set of songs premiered by the National Chamber Choir in Cork in April. A number of CDs of his music are available, including a delightful recent release of three Hans Christian Andersen fairytales set to music.

James Wilson received the Marten Toonder award of the Arts Council in 1997. He was a founder-member of Aosdána, the affiliation of creative artists in Ireland.

Speaking today, Eve O'Kelly, Director of the Contemporary Music Centre, said, "James Wilson will be remembered not only for the significance and productivity of his musical output, but for his great contribution to new music in Ireland. As a teacher he was an immense influence on generations of younger composers, and he played an important role in many aspects of musical life. Most of all he will be sadly missed as a kind and generous friend."

James Wilson, 27 September 1922 - 6 August 2005.

Posted: 8 August 2005