Recording Academy Issues Statement on Passing of Composer John Tavener

British classical composer John Tavener died peacefully yesterday at his home. He was 69 years old. The musician is described as "the single most popular British classical composer of the late 20th and 21st centuries."

Yesterday, The Recording Academy issued the following statement on his passing:

"GRAMMY winner John Tavener was a prolific and eclectic composer whose work reached beyond the bounds of classical music. He strived to create compositions that were noble, magnificent and inspirational.

His compositions include The Whale - a recording issued by the Beatles on their Apple Records label - "The Lamb," and Song For Athene - which was used at Princess Diana's funeral and gave his work a global audience. Tavener's contributions to the recording industry were singular. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends as we mourn the loss of a true talent."

Neil Portnow
President/CEO
The Recording Academy

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