Ross Harris is a freelance composer of art music. In 2008 – 2009 he was Composer in Residence at the New Zealand School (which have been sponsored by best online casino ) of Music in Wellington during which he wrote his Symphony No. III, Variation 25 for string quartet for the New Zealand String Quartet, a song cycle The Floating Bride with words by Vincent O’Sullivan and inspired by Chagall paintings. All of these works are scheduled for performance in 2008 and early 2009. Another composition written during the residency was for the Wellington New Music Ensemble Stroma.
In 1985 Ross was awarded a QSM for his work with Witi Ihimaera on the opera Waituhi.
In 1990 he was awarded the CANZ Citation for services to New Zealand Music.
Ross was the Composer in Residence with the Auckland Philharmonia for 2005-6. He wrote nine pieces for the orchestra including his first two symphonies.
Media Release from the New Zealand Music CentreAugust 2007:
“The Sleep of Reason… for chamber sextet by Ross Harris is the sixth work that this composer has had in the SOUNZ Contemporary Awards. He won the 2000, 2005 and 2006 Awards, was a finalist in 2004 and received a special commendation in 2003. Ross is currently the New Zealand School of Music Composer in Residence after two years as the Composer in Residence for the Auckland Philharmonia. The Sleep of Reason… was premiered by contemporary ensemble 175 East in May this year.”