Thomas Simaku – Composer

Thomas Simaku’s music has received widespread acclaim in UK, French and US publications, winning him accolades such as the Lionel Robbins Memorial Scholarship (1993), Leonard Bernstein Fellowship at Tanglewood Music Centre in 1996 with Bernard Rands, and Composers Workshop Fellowship from California State University (1998 with Brian Ferneyhough).

His Soliloquy V Flauto Acerbo for solo saxophone won him the 2009 British Composer Award in the instrumental solo/duo category.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Simaku was born in Kavaje, Albania. He attended the Academy of Music and Arts in Tirana before receiving a PhD from York University under David Blake in composition. Simaku has won various prestigious awards and fellowships including: Lionel Robbins Memorial Scholarship 1993 (he was the only UK candidate), Leonard Bernstein Fellowship at Tanglewood Music Centre USA working with Bernard Rands as his teacher, as well as attending California State University Composers Workshop where Brian Ferneyhough served as his teacher.

Recently, he has focused on the composition and development of his Soliloquy Cycle; an elegant collection of highly virtuosic solo pieces for various instruments. Of these works, Soliloquy V – Flauto Acerbo won 2009 British Composer Award in Instrumental Solo/Duo category as well as representing Britain at ISCM Festival 2012 held in Belgium.

Professional Career

Thomas Simaku has been active as a composer for two decades now, his music reaching audiences throughout Europe and North America. His work is noted for its expressive qualities and modernism blend; winning numerous accolades including Lionel Robbins Memorial Scholarship in 1993 as well as studying under David Blake at Tanglewood Music Centre (USA).

In 2009 he won the BASCA British Composer Award with his piece Soliloquy V Flauto Acerbo which redefines solo viola playing in an engaging and compelling way. His music has been performed around the world at such festivals as Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival, Music Biennale Zagreb Berlin Miami KlangSpectrum Wien MusikFabrik Munchen Viitasaari Finland Rostropovich Competition among others.

Achievement and Honors

Thomas Simaku’s music has been captivating audiences in Europe and the US for over two decades, winning him international acclaim with its expressive qualities and unique blend of intensity and modernism. His vast output includes solo works as well as chamber works that reflect different stylistic elements – something his audiences consistently acknowledge him for.

He won both a Lionel Robbins Memorial Scholarship in 1993 (he was the sole UK candidate), as well as a Leonard Bernstein Fellowship at Tanglewood Music Center, studying under Bernard Rands. Furthermore, in 2004 Serocki International Competition took first prize and Leverhulme Research Fellowship/PRS Foundation Award were conferred upon him; finally in 2009 his Soliloquy V – Flauto Acerbo earned him a British Composer Award in the Instrumental Solo/Duo category; jurors unanimously agreed that its visionary and original composition had redefined instrument in a remarkable and original manner – earning him another British Composer Award/Leverhulme Research Fellowship/PRS Foundation Award; this piece had earned a British Composer Award nomination (both awarded unanimously)

Personal Life

Thomas Simaku was born 18 April 1958 in Kavaje, Albania. He received his master’s and PhD degrees in Composition from Tirana and York Universities respectively; additionally he was awarded a Leonard Bernstein Fellow in Composition at Tanglewood Music Center USA with Bernard Rands as well as being part of California State University Composers Workshop alongside Brian Ferneyhough (1996 and 1998 respectively).

His music is regularly performed internationally and has earned him many accolades and awards, such as receiving the Lionel Robbins Memorial Scholarship as well as fellowships from Arts and Humanities Research Council of London.

His Soliloquy Cycle – an ambitious series of highly virtuosic solo pieces for various instruments – explores both expressive and technical qualities unique to each instrument. The first three quartets were released on Naxos 21st Century Classics; and in 2015 the fifth was commissioned by Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival and premiered by Quatuor Diotima; winning him a British Composer Award along the way in 2009. Thomas is published by UYMP and Emerson Edition.

Net Worth

Thomas Simaku is a Composer with an estimated net worth of $5 Million. Born in Kavaje, Albania on 18 April 1958 and now living in York with his family. Thomas has become widely-renowned worldwide due to his music and works.

He has composed two quartets and three Soliloquies that were recorded by Naxos for their 21st Century Classics Series, as well as receiving a PRS Foundation award from Esmee Fairbairn of Composers’ Fund to help finance his forthcoming CD on BIS Records’ Swedish Label, set for release in 2020.

His works have also been featured at international festivals, including the 5th Pharos International Contemporary Music Festival in Nicosia, Cyprus and Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival 2014 where Quatuor Diotima premiered his Quartet No 2.