Christopher D. Cook

Christopher Cook
Birth name Christopher David Cook
Born (1988-11-18) 18 November 1988
Greenwich, London, England
Genres Film score, Orchestral
Occupation(s) Composer, conductor
Instruments Piano, Synthesizer
Years active 2005–present

Christopher David Cook (born 18 November 1988) is a British composer and conductor, who composes mainly for film and television. He is known for creating the original music used in the opening ceremony for the London 2012 Olympic Games as well as composing music for movie trailers such as Lincoln, and War Horse.

Early life and education

Christopher Cook was born in Greenwich, London. His musical talent was apparent at a young age. He learned to play piano by ear at 6 years old. He developed as a musician without formal training by listening to television adverts and film scores for the next 6 years.

Christopher was raised in Charlton, in SE London.

Career

Christopher started his film/television composing career in 2006 at age 18, composing scores for low-budget independent films, TV adverts, and radio jingles whilst studying at college. He also at this time started to master the art of composing, arranging and orchestrating for small, and large orchestras, without any academic aid.

From 2007 to 2009, Cook had written several classical scores for piano and small orchestra, as well as submitting works to several online music libraries. In 2010, Cook submitted works for the upcoming London 2012 Olympic games, but was only intended for advertisement purposes only. However, when "LOCOG" the event organizers eventually heard the symphonic pieces written, the decision was made to use them in the actual opening event, rather than just for promotional use.

On 27 July 2012, The London Olympic Games commenced, with the soundtrack being released the day after, selling over 10,000 copies within the first 24 hours of it going on sale.[1][2] Along with the success of the Olympics, Christopher has also composed scores for major film trailers. These include "Angels & Demons", "War Horse", and "Lincoln". He has also written music for several small theatre plays and conducted several musicals, including "Wicked (musical)" on London's West End.[3] He also provided orchestration and conducting services to "Titanic Live", a concert at The Royal Albert Hall in which the late "James Horner" made one of his last public appearances.

Influences

Cook is heavily inspired by the great film composers of the 20th Century, such as the late James Horner, Danny Elfman, Jerry Goldsmith and John Williams. His composing technique, often emulates the orchestral style of Williams and his contemporaries.

Personal life

Christopher currently composes, whilst teaching at The King's School, Grantham, Lincolnshire.

Awards

  • Jury Prize (2011) for "The Man Who Fell Out of Bed"[4]
  • NME – Greatest Music Moment of the Year (2013)[5]

Discography

  • "Isles of Wonder" – The Music for the Opening Ceremony London 2012 Olympic Games (2012)

References

  1. ↑ Cass Jones. "London 2012 opening ceremony compilation album tops iTunes chart". The Guardian. Retrieved 8 December 2014.
  2. ↑
  3. ↑ Paul Sellar. "Man Who Fell out of Bed". Oberonbooks.com. Retrieved 8 December 2014.
  4. ↑ "Lincoln drama students impress Hollywood judges to scoop international award". Lincoln.ac.uk. Retrieved 8 December 2014.
  5. ↑ "Olympics Opening Ceremony beats Bowie to be NME Music Moment of The Year". The Daily Telegraph. 28 February 2013. Retrieved 8 December 2014.
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