Scottish Composer John McLeod has Died, Aged 88

Born in 1934 in Aberdeen, Scotland, John McLeod CBE wrote music for several mediums including film and television. In 1970, he based himself in Edinburgh. 

He first studied clarinet at London’s Royal Academy of Music (RAM) with Jack Brymer, Reginald Kell, and Gervase de Peyer. He later switched to composition with Sir Lennox Berkeley and was also mentored by Polish composer Witold Lutosławski.

McLeod’s many accolades include the Guinness Prize for British composers, a RAM Fellowship, and Ivors Academy’s Gold Badge. His CBE title was awarded as part of the Queen’s birthday honors in 2016 and he received an honorary doctorate in music from the University of Aberdeen in 2019. 

His music has been played internationally including by the Philharmonia Orchestra, the Hallé, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra (BBC SSO), Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO), plus soloists and ensembles across Poland, Germany, and the U.S. He has also been broadcast on BBC Radio 3, Classic FM, BBC TV, and Channel 4.

We are saddened to hear of the death of Scottish composer, John McLeod. John had a long association with the RSNO - most recently recording with us for the 2018 release of Out of the Silence. We were fortunate to be able to work with such an exceptional talent. RIP John. pic.twitter.com/dvcCe8lJbc

— Royal Scottish National Orchestra (@RSNO) March 25, 2022

McLeod’s success in his later years notably included the London premiere of his work, The Sun Dances at the 2014 BBC Proms performed by the BBC SSO under conductor Donald Runnicles, which was followed by his Out of the Silence – a Scottish Chamber Orchestra commission conducted by Joseph Swensen. 

“John was passionate about life and about music and that is reflected in his colorful and challenging orchestral, vocal and instrumental works which were commissioned, performed and recorded by leading orchestras and soloists throughout the world,” his website administrator wrote.

“We are saddened to hear of the death of Scottish composer, John McLeod,” RSNO tweeted. “John had a long association with the RSNO – most recently recording with us for the 2018 release of Out of the Silence. We were fortunate to be able to work with such an exceptional talent. RIP John.”

Our condolences to Mr. McLeod’s family, friends, and colleagues.

JOHN MCLEOD | THE SUN DANCES | BBC SCOTTISH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA | DONALD RUNNICLES | BBC PROMS | 2014