Peter Boyer is one of the most frequently performed American orchestral composers of his generation, with over 300 performances of his works by more than 100 orchestras. He has conducted recordings of his music with three of the world’s finest orchestras: the London Symphony Orchestra, the Philharmonia Orchestra, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. His music has received numerous national broadcasts in the US and abroad, and he has garnered seven national awards for his work.
Conductor Keith Lockhart chose Boyer for the Boston Pops 125th anniversary commission honoring the legacy of John, Robert and Ted Kennedy. The première of Boyer’s Kennedy Brothers in 2010, narrated by Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman and Ed Harris, was attended by members of the Kennedy family and received extensive media attention. The Boston Pops also telecast the work, performed it at the Tanglewood Music Festival with narrator Alec Baldwin, and released its recording.
Recognised today as one of the finest orchestras on the international stage, the London Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1932 by Sir Thomas Beecham. Since then, its principal conductors have included Sir Adrian Boult, Bernard Haitink, Sir Georg Solti, Klaus Tennstedt and Kurt Masur. In 2007 Vladimir Jurowski became the orchestra’s principal conductor and in 2008 Yannick Nézet–Séguin was appointed principal guest conductor.
The London Philharmonic Orchestra has been performing at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall since it opened in 1951, becoming the resident orchestra in 1992. It also has flourishing residencies in Brighton and Eastbourne and performs regularly around the UK. Each summer it plays for Glyndebourne Festival Opera where it has been resident symphony orchestra for 50 years. The orchestra also regularly tours abroad: highlights of the 2013–14 season include visits to the USA, Romania, Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Belgium, France and Spain.
"Combining music, history, and theatre, this spirited evocation of Ellis Island is a robust celebration of the American immigrant experience. […] Boyer is fortunate to have an all–star cast for his narrators […]. They perform with spirit and conviction, as does the Philharmonia under the composer. The sound is big and forward…"
– American Record Guide
"A work of rare authenticity and directness" – Los Angeles Times
"A dream of a piece" – Winston–Salem Journal
"A searing emotional experience" – The Hartford Courant
"A powerful testament… a timeless and timely tribute" – Daily Hampshire Gazette
"Well crafted and emotionally resonant" – The Dallas Morning News
"A sweeping opus… Boyer’s masterwork" – The Buffalo News