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{{Short description|English composer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}

{{Use British English|date=December 2012}}
{{Use British English|date=December 2012}}
{{Infobox person
'''Gabriel Prokofiev''' (b.1975, London, UK) is a London-based composer, producer, and founder of the NONCLASSICAL record label and club night.
| name = Gabriel Prokofiev
| image =
Gabriel Prokofiev was born in 1975 to an English mother and Russian father [[Oleg Prokofiev]],<ref name=PRS>{{cite web
| caption = Prokofiev in [[Saint Petersburg]], Russia
|url=http://www.prsformusicfoundation.com/guestofthemonth/gabrielprokofiev.htm
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1975|01|06|df=y}}
|title=PRS for Music Foundation - Gabriel Prokofiev
| birth_place = London, England
|publisher=PRS for Music Foundation
| occupation = [[Composer]], [[Record producer|producer]], [[Disc jockey|DJ]]
|accessdate=2011-08-13}}</ref> and is the grandson of the 20th-century composer [[Sergei Prokofiev]]. He studied composition at both Birmingham and York universities, but eschewed classical music for [[electronica]],<ref>{{cite web
| years_active = 1997—present
|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20080907143058/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article4121930.ece
| notable_works =
|title=Gabriel Prokofiev's Nonclassical club night breaks with tradition
| relatives = {{plainlist|
|publisher=The Times Online
*[[Oleg Prokofiev]] (father)
|date=2008-06-13
*[[Sergei Prokofiev]] (grandfather)}}
|accessdate=2013-09-01
}}
|last=Colborne|first=Femke}}</ref> and became a composer of [[UK garage|garage music]].<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/3613183/Prokofiev-goes-clubbing.html
|title=Prokofiev goes clubbing
|publisher=The Telegraph
|date=2004-03-02
|accessdate=2011-08-13
|last=Coffey|first=Russ}}</ref> and producer of Dance, Electro & Hip-hop music under a variety of guises. He was one of the producers of [[Lady Sovereign]]'s album [[Public Warning]],<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/jan/14/clubs-picks-of-the-week
|title=Clubs picks of the week
|publisher=The Guardian
|date=2012-01-13
|accessdate=2012-05-13
|last=Richards|first=Sam}}</ref> under the name Medasyn.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/music/odd-one-out-is-now-in/2006/12/14/1165685797386.html
|title=Odd one out is now in
|publisher=The Age
|date=2006-12-15
|accessdate=2012-05-13
|last=Richards|first=Sam}}</ref>


'''Gabriel Prokofiev''' (born 6 January 1975) is a Russian-British composer, producer, DJ, and founder of the [[Nonclassical]] record label and nightclub.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sozoartists.com/artists/prokofiev/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618003723/http://www.sozoartists.com/artists/prokofiev/|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 June 2015|title=Gabriel Prokofiev {{!}} Sozo Artists|website=sozoartists.com|access-date=2016-12-14}}</ref> He has been nominated for two [[Ivor Novello Awards]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=British Composer Awards 2015 nominees revealed |url=https://www.prsformusic.com/m-magazine/news/british-composer-awards-2015-nominees-revealed |access-date=2023-06-02 |website=www.prsformusic.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Matthews |first=Fran |date=2020-11-03 |title=The Ivors Composer Awards 2020 Nominations Announced |url=https://ivorsacademy.com/news/the-ivors-composer-awards-2020-nominations-announced/ |access-date=2023-06-02 |website=The Ivors Academy |language=en-GB}}</ref> and his works have been performed internationally by orchestras such as [[BBC Philharmonic]], [[Saint Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra|St Petersburg Philharmonic]],<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Stuart |first=Sarah |date=2023-02-20 |title=Gabriel Prokofiev on heritage and music's universal unspoken powers. |url=https://musifee.com/gabriel-prokofiev-on-heritage-and-musics-universal-unspoken-powers/ |access-date=2023-06-02 |website=musifee.com |language=en-GB}}</ref> [[Seattle Symphony]], [[Detroit Symphony Orchestra|Detroit Symphony]], [[MDR Leipzig Radio Symphony Orchestra|MDR Leipzig]], [[Buenos Aires Philharmonic]] and [[Royal Seville Symphony Orchestra]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=LionCoders |title=Gabriel Prokofiev |url=https://www.stauffer.org/en/professors/gabriel-prokofiev-2/ |access-date=2023-06-02 |website=Stauffer Center |language=en-GB}}</ref>
He founded the independent record label [[Nonclassical]] in 2003 and returned to his classical roots, composing ''String Quartet No. 1'' for the Elysian Quartet[http://elysianquartet.com/], which he released on NONCLASSICAL, complete with remixes of the original quartet. His other compositions include 2nd and 3rd String Quartets, a collection of piano pieces, ''Piano Book'', for Russian virtuoso [[GéNIA]], and ''Concerto for Turntables & Orchestra'' (2006) which was premiered by [[DJ Yoda]] at the 2011 [[BBC Proms]], with the [[National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain]] under [[Vladimir Jurowski]] and toured by the [[BBC Concert Orchestra]] as part of its educational programme. His ''Concerto for Trumpet, Percussion, Turntables and Orchestra'' (2014), was premiered by Marie Bédat (trumpet), Chantal Aguer (percussion), [[DJ Switch]] (turntables) and the [[:fr:Orchestre de Pau Pays de Béarn:]] under [[Faycal Karoui]] at the [[:fr:Palais Beaumont]] Centre de Congrès, [[Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques|Pau]], France.


==Early life==
Other recent works include ''Concerto for Cello No. 1'' (2013), commissioned by [[Alexander Ivashkin]] and premiered in [[St. Petersburg]] by Ivashkin and the [[St. Petersburg Philharmonic]] under Sabrie Bekirova[http://sabrie-bekirova.com/], ''Concerto for Bass Drum and Orchestra'' (2012), premiered in the US by percussionist, Joby Burgess [http://jobyburgess.com/] and the [[Princeton Symphony Orchestra]] under [[Rossen Milanov]], ''(IMPORT/EXPORT)'' (2008), for Joby Burgess's group PowerPlant, using Global Junk objects, and ''Sleeveless Scherzo'' (2007), a piece for solo violin and solo dancer for [[Rambert Dance Company]] (choreographer Patricia Okenwa[http://www.patriciaokenwa.com/]). Prokofiev made his conducting debut with his concerto for 'dancing' viola, string orchestra, trombones & percussion, in the Paradiso, Amsterdam in 2008. In March 2009, his NONCLASSICAL club made its debut in New York at the cutting-edge Wordless Music series[http://wordlessmusic.org/] in New York, and at the Rock festival [[SXSW]] to favourable critical response.
Gabriel Prokofiev was born in [[London]] on 6 January 1975 to an English mother and a Russian father, the artist [[Oleg Prokofiev]],<ref name=PRS>{{cite web |url=http://www.prsformusicfoundation.com/guestofthemonth/gabrielprokofiev.htm |title=PRS for Music Foundation - Gabriel Prokofiev |publisher=PRS for Music Foundation |access-date=2011-08-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715125718/http://www.prsformusicfoundation.com/guestofthemonth/gabrielprokofiev.htm |archive-date=15 July 2011}}</ref> and is the grandson of the composer [[Sergei Prokofiev]]. His childhood was creative. He studied piano, horn, trumpet, and sang choral music. Resisting the pressure to embark on a classical career, he instead started writing songs and joined a pop band at age ten.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Gabriel Prokofiev Biography, Songs, & Albums |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/gabriel-prokofiev-mn0002186601/biography |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=AllMusic |language=en}}</ref> Inspired by the electronic dance music of the 90s but also wanting to compose classical music, Prokofiev decided to focus on the sub-genre of [[electroacoustic music]] during his student years.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Gabriel Prokofiev: From nonclassical and back – Vantage Music |url=http://www.vantagemusic.org/magazine/gabriel-prokofiev-interview/ |access-date=2023-06-08 |language=en-US}}</ref>


Enticed by the impressive [[Birmingham ElectroAcoustic Sound Theatre|BEAST (Birmingham Electro Acoustic Sound Theatre)]], founded by the renowned composer [[Jonty Harrison]], Prokofiev studied at the [[University of Birmingham]].<ref name=":3" /> He then went on to study a Masters in composition at [[York University]], entering one of his compositions into the [[Bourges International Electro-Acoustic Music Competition]]. He won a place in the student residency category.<ref name=":3" /> He also became familiar with electronic and hip-hop production techniques and was active as a producer for several years.<ref name=":2" />
Prokofiev has also composed for ballet. His first full-length ballet work, ''Ein Winternachtstraum'', was written in 2011 and is in 2 acts, including ''Concerto for Turntables & Orchestra'', and extracts from [[Mendelssohn]]'s ''A Midsummer Night's Dream''. The ballet was commissioned by [[Bern Ballett]] and was premiered in Stadttheater, Bern, Switzerland by Bern Ballett with choreography by Cathy Marston[http://cathymarston.com/index.html]. In 2013 [[Karole Armitage]] choreographed extracts and remixes from his ''Concerto for Turntables and Orchestra'', in her production 'Mechanics of the Dance Machine'[http://www.armitagegonedance.org/photos/full-repertoire]. More recent works for dance include two ballets for electronics; ''Howl'' (2013), which premiered in Lucerne, Switzerland by Tanz Luzerner Theater[http://www.luzerner-theater.ch/] and choreographer Maurice Causey[http://mauricecausey.com/], ''Strange Blooms'' (2013), which premiered at the Northcott Theatre, Exeter, UK by [[Shobana Jeyasingh Dance]] with choreography by [[Shobana Jeyasingh]], and "Swipe" (2011), choreographed by [[Val Caniparoli]], premiered by Richmond Ballet, and also performed by [[Smuin Ballet]] and [[Singapore Dance Theatre]]. ''Strange Blooms'' received its capital premiere at the [[Queen Elizabeth Hall]], Southbank, London.

==Career==
Prokofiev returned to writing [[classical music]] in 2003 with two [[String quartet|string quartets]], written for the Elysian Quartet.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=13 November 2017 |title=A NEW BALLET FROM PROKOFIEV – GABRIEL PROKOFIEV |url=https://www.soundslikesydney.com.au/news/a-new-ballet-from-prokofiev-gabriel-prokofiev/24104.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031160202/https://www.soundslikesydney.com.au/news/a-new-ballet-from-prokofiev-gabriel-prokofiev/24104.html |archive-date=31 October 2020 |access-date=30 June 2023 |website=Sounds Like Sydney}}</ref> He then founded the independent record label and night club [[Nonclassical]] in 2004,<ref>{{cite web |last=Coffey |first=Russ |date=2004-03-02 |title=Prokofiev goes clubbing |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/3613183/Prokofiev-goes-clubbing.html |accessdate=2011-08-13 |work=The Telegraph |location=London}}</ref> as a way of bringing [[classical music]] to younger people.<ref name="legacy">{{cite web |author=Anna Prosvetova |date=7 July 2016 |title=Interview: Gabriel Prokofiev on music in the cinema, Sergei Prokofiev's legacy and classical music today |url=https://www.russianartandculture.com/interview-gabriel-prokofiev-on-music-in-the-cinema-sergei-prokofievs-legacy-and-classical-music-today/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424213803/http://www.russianartandculture.com/interview-gabriel-prokofiev-on-music-in-the-cinema-sergei-prokofievs-legacy-and-classical-music-today/ |archive-date=24 April 2017 |access-date=18 April 2019 |website=Russian Art and Culture}}</ref> The [[Nonclassical]] club nights in London featured experiments in performing [[Classical music|classical]] or classical-influenced music in nontraditional venues.<ref name=":2" /> Releasing recordings of the [[String quartet|string quartets]] on his label, he included [[Remix|remixes]] from [[electronic music]] producers (including [[Vex'd|Vex’d]] and [[Hot Chip]]). This interest in remixing classical music led to compose an "orchestral remix" of [[Ludwig van Beethoven|Beethoven's]] Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125 (2011), commissioned by the [[Orchestre national des Pays de la Loire|Orchestre National des Pays de la Loire]]. Then performed to sold-out concert halls in [[Angers]] and [[Nantes]].<ref name=":2" /> His first breakthrough as a [[Classical music|classical]] composer came when his Concerto for Turntables and Orchestra No.1 was performed at the 2011 [[BBC Proms]]. Prokofiev wrote Concerto for Turntables and Orchestra in 2006 during a time when he was wrestling with his creative loyalties between [[Classical music|classical]] and [[electronic music]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=KS2: Gabriel Prokofiev - Concerto for Turntables and Orchestra (5th movement) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/ten-pieces/KS2-gabriel-prokofiev-concerto-for-turntables-and-orchestra-5th-movement/z6vs2sg |access-date=2023-06-30 |website=BBC Ten Pieces |language=en}}</ref>

After the [[BBC Proms|Proms]], Prokofiev gradually began to dedicate himself to [[classical music]] alone, a move that was hastened by an invitation from the Orchestre de Pau Pays de Béarn (OPPB) in [[France]] to become their [[composer]] in residence.<ref name=":3" /> As Prokofiev's fame spread, he began to collaborate with prominent artists on both sides of the [[Classical music|classical]] and [[Pop music|pop]] divide.<ref name=":2" /> Developing his name as a [[composer]] of concerti for unconventional instruments, including works such as the Concerto for Bass Drum and Orchestra (2013), commissioned by the [[London Contemporary Orchestra]] and [[Princeton Symphony Orchestra|Princeton Symphony]]. Taking inspiration from his [[nonclassical]] club nights, the concerto focused on the intriguing choice of Bass drum as a solo instrument.<ref name=":3" /> His Violin Concerto was performed by [[Daniel Hope]] and the [[Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra|Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic]] at the [[BBC Proms]] in 2014, and his Saxophone Concerto, performed by jazz-man [[Branford Marsalis]], was jointly commissioned by the Naples Philharmonic and the [[Detroit Symphony Orchestra|Detroit Symphony]] in 2017.<ref name=":2" />

He has often collaborated with [[Choreography|choreographers]] and ballet companies, composing a works for the [[Rambert Dance Company]],<ref name=":2" /> [[Birmingham Royal Ballet]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-03 |title=SENSE OF TIME |url=https://ivorsacademy.com/nominee/sense-of-time/ |access-date=2023-06-30 |website=The Ivors Academy |language=en-GB}}</ref> Katarzyna Kozielska’s ''Dark Glow'', premiered by [[Stuttgart Ballet]], and ''Bayadère: The Ninth Life'', choreographed by [[Shobana Jeyasingh]].<ref name=":4" />

In 2019, after attracting the attention of Regensburg Opera, Gabriel was commissioned to write his first full length opera, ‘Elizabetta', an invigorating mix of classic operatic aria and recitative with techno and dance, TV-commercials, Congolese song, [[Contemporary classical music|contemporary classical]] and [[electronic music]].<ref name=":3" />

In 2022 Prokofiev composed the soundtrack for [[Litvinenko (TV series)|Litvinenko]], the [[ITVX]] drama about the poisoning of former Russian security officer [[Alexander Litvinenko|Alexander “Sasha” Litvinenko]] who had defected to the [[United Kingdom|UK]].<ref name=":0" />

== Personal life ==
Prokofiev resides in [[Hackney, London]], with his wife and their three children.<ref name=":1" />


==Selected works==
==Selected works==


=== Ballet===
=== Soloist and orchestra ===
* ''Ein Winternachtstraum'', 2011
* ''Howl'', 2013
* ''Strange Blooms'', 2013


* Flute Concerto (2022), commissioned for Massimo Mercelli (solo flute) by Emilia Romagna Festival
=== Orchestral===
* Viola Concerto (2022), commissioned by [[Beethoven Orchester Bonn]], [[BBC National Orchestra of Wales]], [[Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano Giuseppe Verdi]] and Oregon Music Festival
* ''Concerto for Turntables & Orchestra'', 2007
* Saxophone Concerto (2016), commissioned by Naples Philharmonic & [[Detroit Symphony Orchestra|Detroit Symphony]]
* ''Dance Suite for Viola, String Orchestra, Trombones & Percussion'', 2008
* Concerto for Turntables and Orchestra II (2016), commissioned by [[Casa da Música|Casa da Musica]]
* ''Beethoven 9 Remix'', 2011
* Violin Concerto '1914' (2014), commissioned by [[BBC Proms]] and [[Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra|Orchestre Philharmonique de Luxembourg]]
* ''Concerto for Bass Drum & Orchestra'', 2012
* Concerto for Trumpet, Percussion, Turntables & Orchestra (2014), commissioned by Orchestre de Pau Pays de Béarn
* ''Spheres'' for violin and string orchestra, 2013
* ''Cello Concerto No 1'' for cello and orchestra, 2013
* Cello Concerto (2013), commissioned by [[Alexander Ivashkin]] and [[Saint Petersburg Philharmonia]]
* Concerto for Bass Drum and Orchestra (2012), commissioned by [[Princeton Symphony Orchestra|Princeton Symphony]] and [[London Contemporary Orchestra]]
* ''Ruthven's Last Dance'' two dances for orchestra, 2013
* Concerto for Turntables and Orchestra No.1 (2006), commissioned by Will Dutta, Chimera Productions. Symphonic version commissioned by the [[National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain]]
* ''Concerto for Trumpet, Percussion, Turntables and Orchestra'', 2014
* Olga’s Miniatures (2017), commissioned by [[Andrey Boreyko]] and Naples Philharmonic
* ''Concerto for Violin and Orchestra'', 2014
* Two Caprices for Violin and Orchestra (2016), commissioned by Orchestre de Pau Pays de Béarn
* Spheres (2012), commissioned by [[Daniel Hope]] & [[Deutsche Grammophon]]


===Chamber===
=== Orchestra ===
* ''String Quartet No 1'', 2003
* ''Three Dances for String Trio, Bass Clarinet, Piano & Scratch DJ'', 2004
* ''String Quartet No 2'', 2006
* ''Stolen Guitars'' suite for electric guitar and 2 laptops, 2008
* ''Bogle Move'' for string quartet, 2009
* ''Cello Multitracks'' suite for solo cello and multitracked cellos, or cello nonet, 2010
* ''String Quartet No 3'', 2010
* ''The Ghost of Gunby Hall'', a golden fable for 2 actors, chamber ensemble, laptop & optional SATB choir, 2012


* When the City Rules (2016), commissioned by [[Seattle Symphony]] and [[Real Orquesta Sinfónica de Sevilla|Real Oquesta Sinfónica de Sevilla]]
===Instrumental===
* Carnet de Voyage (2015), commissioned by Orchestre de Pau Pays de Béarn
* ''Sleeveless Scherzo'' for solo violin and solo dancer, 2008
* Overture 87654321 (2014), commissioned by Orchestre de Pau Pays de Béarn
* ''Three Dances for String Trio, Bass Clarinet, Piano & Scratch DJ'', 2004
* Dial 1-900 Mix-A-Lot (2014), commissioned by [[Seattle Symphony]] & [[Ludovic Morlot]]
* ''String Quartet No 2'', 2006
* Ruthven's Last Dance (2013), commissioned by Ricciotti Ensemble
* ''IMPORT/EXPORT'' large-scale percussion piece for global objects, 2008
* Beethoven9 Symphonic Remix (2011), commissioned by [[Orchestre national des Pays de la Loire|Orchestre National des Pays de la Loire]]
* ''Pianobook No 1'' for solo piano, 2006
* A-Turner (2010), commissioned by [[Saint Petersburg Conservatory]]


===Vocal===
=== Chamber ===
* ''Simple Songs for Modern Life'', 6 songs for female a capella vocal trio, 2009
* ''The Lonely Giant'' mini opera for baritone and bass clarinet, 2009


* Techno Suite (2023)
===Film===
* Litvinenko Suite (2022)
* ''Pig Alley'', soundtrack to US silent film, for bass clarinet, trumpet, percussion and cello, 2008
* Piano Trio No.1 (2022), commissioned for the Van Baerle Trio by [[TivoliVredenburg|Tivoli Vredenberg]] and [[Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ|Muziekgebouw]]
* "White Rooms", soundscape production, composition and design for collaboration with filmmakers Giada Dobrzenska and Laura Jennings. Project commissioned by The Sonic Arts Network, premiered at The Institute of Contemporary Art, London 1998
* Pastoral Reflections (2021)
* Dr Calvin Remembers (2021)
* Breaking Screens (2020)
* Techno Suite (2019)
* Broken Screen (2017), commissioned by [[Alison Balsom]]
* The River Conqueror (2015), commissioned by Orchestre de Pau Pays de Béarn
* Violin Duo No.1 (2014), commissioned by Retorica Duo, with LICA and Jersey International Music Festival
* Pieces for Erhu & Piano (2015), commissioned by New Sound China UK
* Howl for Electronics + Soloist (2013)
* Six Observations for Flute Trio (2013), commissioned for Tempest Flute Trio by [[Nonclassical]]
* Triangles (2012), commissioned by Fari Shams for Raimund Abraham Musikerhaus, [[Museum Insel Hombroich]]
* Cello Multitracks (2011)
* Bogle Move (Jamaican Dancehall) (2010), commissioned by The Smith Quartet
* String Quartet No.3 (2010), commissioned by the Ruysdael Kwartet
* Piano Book No1 (2009), commissioned by [[Génia|GéNiA]] and [[Nonclassical]]
* Stolen Guitars (2008), commissioned by POW Ensemble for [[Gaudeamus Foundation]]
* IMPORT/EXPORT (2008)
* Sleeveless Scherzo (2008), commission by [[Rambert Dance Company]]
* String Quartet No.2 (2009), commissioned by [[PRS for Music|PRS Foundation]] for the Elysian Quartet
* Two Dances (2004), commissioned by [[Arts Council England]] for Tate Ensemble
* String Quartet No.1 (2003), commissioned by The Elysian Quartet
* Journeys of a Cattleherd (1997)

=== Stage and dance ===

* Sense of Time (2019), commissioned by [[Birmingham Royal Ballet]]
* Strings (2018), commissioned by Washington University and MUPA
* Spring (2018)
* Dark Glow (2016), commissioned by [[Stuttgart Ballet]]
* Bayadere - The Ninth Life (2015), commissioned by [[Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company]] for the [[Royal Opera House]]
* Terra Incognita (2014), commissioned by [[Rambert Dance Company]]
* Strange Blooms (2013), commissioned by [[Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company]]
* Howl (2013), commissioned by Luzerner Ballet
* The Ghost of Gunby Hall (2012), commissioned by Lincoln Arts
* 'Ein Winternachtstraum' - Ballet of Midsummer Night's Dream (2011), commissioned by Bern Ballet and [[Bern Symphony Orchestra]]

=== Electronic ===

* Strange Blooms (suite) (2013)
* Café Perdu (1999)
* Punch Me! Bite Me! (1998)
* Zhiva (1998)

=== Vocal and opera ===

* Elizabetta (2019)
* The Lonely Giant (2009)
* Simple Songs for Modern Life (2009), commissioned by [[PRS for Music|PRS Foundation]] for Juice Vocal Ensemble
* Magnificat and Nunc Dimitis (1998)

=== Film, TV and digital ===

* Litvinenko (2022)
* OK Computer (2021)
* 22:22 (2017), commissioned by FLAMIN, (Film London Artists’ Moving Image), ACE and The Elephant Trust
* Opponent (2014), commissioned by Film London and [[Channel 4]] for Random Acts
* Melior Street (2011), commissioned by Film London
* Pig Alley (2008), commissioned by [[Opera North]]

== Discography ==

=== Studio Albums ===

* Breaking Screens (2021)
* Concerto for Turntables No.1 & Cello Concerto (2020)
* [[Ludwig van Beethoven|Beethoven]] Reimagined (2020)
* Saxophone Concerto, Bass Drum Concerto (2019)
* Gabriel Prokofiev Selected Classical Works 2003-2012 (2014)
* Cello Multitracks (2012)
* Import/Export (Gabriel Prokofiev: Suite for Global Junk) (2010)
* Gabriel Prokofiev: Piano Book No.1 (2010)
* Gabriel Prokofiev: Concerto for Turntables and Orchestra No.1 (2009)
* Gabriel Prokofiev: String Quartet No.2 (2007)

* Gabriel Prokofiev: String Quartet No.1 (2004)

=== EPs ===

* Strange Blooms (2022)
* HOWL! (2022)
* Float Dance EP2 (2014)
* Float Dance EP1 (2014)

=== Soundtracks ===

* [[Litvinenko (TV series)|Litvinenko]] (Original Soundtrack from the ITV Drama) (2022)


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
*[https://www.gabrielprokofiev.com Official website]
*{{imdbname|3538185}}
*[https://www.nonclassical.co.uk nonclassical.co.uk]

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Prokofiev, Gabriel}}
[[Category:21st-century classical composers]]
[[Category:21st-century classical composers]]
[[Category:British people of Russian descent]]
[[Category:British people of Russian descent]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1975 births]]
[[Category:1975 births]]
[[Category:English male classical composers]]

[[Category:21st-century male musicians]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Prokofiev, Gabriel}}
{{UK-composer-stub}}

Latest revision as of 05:05, 3 April 2024

Gabriel Prokofiev
Born (1975-01-06) 6 January 1975 (age 49)
London, England
Occupation(s)Composer, producer, DJ
Years active1997—present
Relatives

Gabriel Prokofiev (born 6 January 1975) is a Russian-British composer, producer, DJ, and founder of the Nonclassical record label and nightclub.[1] He has been nominated for two Ivor Novello Awards[2][3] and his works have been performed internationally by orchestras such as BBC Philharmonic, St Petersburg Philharmonic,[4] Seattle Symphony, Detroit Symphony, MDR Leipzig, Buenos Aires Philharmonic and Royal Seville Symphony Orchestra.[5]

Early life[edit]

Gabriel Prokofiev was born in London on 6 January 1975 to an English mother and a Russian father, the artist Oleg Prokofiev,[6] and is the grandson of the composer Sergei Prokofiev. His childhood was creative. He studied piano, horn, trumpet, and sang choral music. Resisting the pressure to embark on a classical career, he instead started writing songs and joined a pop band at age ten.[7] Inspired by the electronic dance music of the 90s but also wanting to compose classical music, Prokofiev decided to focus on the sub-genre of electroacoustic music during his student years.[8]

Enticed by the impressive BEAST (Birmingham Electro Acoustic Sound Theatre), founded by the renowned composer Jonty Harrison, Prokofiev studied at the University of Birmingham.[8] He then went on to study a Masters in composition at York University, entering one of his compositions into the Bourges International Electro-Acoustic Music Competition. He won a place in the student residency category.[8] He also became familiar with electronic and hip-hop production techniques and was active as a producer for several years.[7]

Career[edit]

Prokofiev returned to writing classical music in 2003 with two string quartets, written for the Elysian Quartet.[9] He then founded the independent record label and night club Nonclassical in 2004,[10] as a way of bringing classical music to younger people.[11] The Nonclassical club nights in London featured experiments in performing classical or classical-influenced music in nontraditional venues.[7] Releasing recordings of the string quartets on his label, he included remixes from electronic music producers (including Vex’d and Hot Chip). This interest in remixing classical music led to compose an "orchestral remix" of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125 (2011), commissioned by the Orchestre National des Pays de la Loire. Then performed to sold-out concert halls in Angers and Nantes.[7] His first breakthrough as a classical composer came when his Concerto for Turntables and Orchestra No.1 was performed at the 2011 BBC Proms. Prokofiev wrote Concerto for Turntables and Orchestra in 2006 during a time when he was wrestling with his creative loyalties between classical and electronic music.[12]

After the Proms, Prokofiev gradually began to dedicate himself to classical music alone, a move that was hastened by an invitation from the Orchestre de Pau Pays de Béarn (OPPB) in France to become their composer in residence.[8] As Prokofiev's fame spread, he began to collaborate with prominent artists on both sides of the classical and pop divide.[7] Developing his name as a composer of concerti for unconventional instruments, including works such as the Concerto for Bass Drum and Orchestra (2013), commissioned by the London Contemporary Orchestra and Princeton Symphony. Taking inspiration from his nonclassical club nights, the concerto focused on the intriguing choice of Bass drum as a solo instrument.[8] His Violin Concerto was performed by Daniel Hope and the Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic at the BBC Proms in 2014, and his Saxophone Concerto, performed by jazz-man Branford Marsalis, was jointly commissioned by the Naples Philharmonic and the Detroit Symphony in 2017.[7]

He has often collaborated with choreographers and ballet companies, composing a works for the Rambert Dance Company,[7] Birmingham Royal Ballet,[13] Katarzyna Kozielska’s Dark Glow, premiered by Stuttgart Ballet, and Bayadère: The Ninth Life, choreographed by Shobana Jeyasingh.[9]

In 2019, after attracting the attention of Regensburg Opera, Gabriel was commissioned to write his first full length opera, ‘Elizabetta', an invigorating mix of classic operatic aria and recitative with techno and dance, TV-commercials, Congolese song, contemporary classical and electronic music.[8]

In 2022 Prokofiev composed the soundtrack for Litvinenko, the ITVX drama about the poisoning of former Russian security officer Alexander “Sasha” Litvinenko who had defected to the UK.[4]

Personal life[edit]

Prokofiev resides in Hackney, London, with his wife and their three children.[5]

Selected works[edit]

Soloist and orchestra[edit]

Orchestra[edit]

Chamber[edit]

  • Techno Suite (2023)
  • Litvinenko Suite (2022)
  • Piano Trio No.1 (2022), commissioned for the Van Baerle Trio by Tivoli Vredenberg and Muziekgebouw
  • Pastoral Reflections (2021)
  • Dr Calvin Remembers (2021)
  • Breaking Screens (2020)
  • Techno Suite (2019)
  • Broken Screen (2017), commissioned by Alison Balsom
  • The River Conqueror (2015), commissioned by Orchestre de Pau Pays de Béarn
  • Violin Duo No.1 (2014), commissioned by Retorica Duo, with LICA and Jersey International Music Festival
  • Pieces for Erhu & Piano (2015), commissioned by New Sound China UK
  • Howl for Electronics + Soloist (2013)
  • Six Observations for Flute Trio (2013), commissioned for Tempest Flute Trio by Nonclassical
  • Triangles (2012), commissioned by Fari Shams for Raimund Abraham Musikerhaus, Museum Insel Hombroich
  • Cello Multitracks (2011)
  • Bogle Move (Jamaican Dancehall) (2010), commissioned by The Smith Quartet
  • String Quartet No.3 (2010), commissioned by the Ruysdael Kwartet
  • Piano Book No1 (2009), commissioned by GéNiA and Nonclassical
  • Stolen Guitars (2008), commissioned by POW Ensemble for Gaudeamus Foundation
  • IMPORT/EXPORT (2008)
  • Sleeveless Scherzo (2008), commission by Rambert Dance Company
  • String Quartet No.2 (2009), commissioned by PRS Foundation for the Elysian Quartet
  • Two Dances (2004), commissioned by Arts Council England for Tate Ensemble
  • String Quartet No.1 (2003), commissioned by The Elysian Quartet
  • Journeys of a Cattleherd (1997)

Stage and dance[edit]

Electronic[edit]

  • Strange Blooms (suite) (2013)
  • Café Perdu (1999)
  • Punch Me! Bite Me! (1998)
  • Zhiva (1998)

Vocal and opera[edit]

  • Elizabetta (2019)
  • The Lonely Giant (2009)
  • Simple Songs for Modern Life (2009), commissioned by PRS Foundation for Juice Vocal Ensemble
  • Magnificat and Nunc Dimitis (1998)

Film, TV and digital[edit]

  • Litvinenko (2022)
  • OK Computer (2021)
  • 22:22 (2017), commissioned by FLAMIN, (Film London Artists’ Moving Image), ACE and The Elephant Trust
  • Opponent (2014), commissioned by Film London and Channel 4 for Random Acts
  • Melior Street (2011), commissioned by Film London
  • Pig Alley (2008), commissioned by Opera North

Discography[edit]

Studio Albums[edit]

  • Breaking Screens (2021)
  • Concerto for Turntables No.1 & Cello Concerto (2020)
  • Beethoven Reimagined (2020)
  • Saxophone Concerto, Bass Drum Concerto (2019)
  • Gabriel Prokofiev Selected Classical Works 2003-2012 (2014)
  • Cello Multitracks (2012)
  • Import/Export (Gabriel Prokofiev: Suite for Global Junk) (2010)
  • Gabriel Prokofiev: Piano Book No.1 (2010)
  • Gabriel Prokofiev: Concerto for Turntables and Orchestra No.1 (2009)
  • Gabriel Prokofiev: String Quartet No.2 (2007)
  • Gabriel Prokofiev: String Quartet No.1 (2004)

EPs[edit]

  • Strange Blooms (2022)
  • HOWL! (2022)
  • Float Dance EP2 (2014)
  • Float Dance EP1 (2014)

Soundtracks[edit]

  • Litvinenko (Original Soundtrack from the ITV Drama) (2022)

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Gabriel Prokofiev | Sozo Artists". sozoartists.com. Archived from the original on 18 June 2015. Retrieved 14 December 2016.
  2. ^ "British Composer Awards 2015 nominees revealed". www.prsformusic.com. Retrieved 2 June 2023.
  3. ^ Matthews, Fran (3 November 2020). "The Ivors Composer Awards 2020 Nominations Announced". The Ivors Academy. Retrieved 2 June 2023.
  4. ^ a b Stuart, Sarah (20 February 2023). "Gabriel Prokofiev on heritage and music's universal unspoken powers". musifee.com. Retrieved 2 June 2023.
  5. ^ a b LionCoders. "Gabriel Prokofiev". Stauffer Center. Retrieved 2 June 2023.
  6. ^ "PRS for Music Foundation - Gabriel Prokofiev". PRS for Music Foundation. Archived from the original on 15 July 2011. Retrieved 13 August 2011.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g "Gabriel Prokofiev Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  8. ^ a b c d e f "Gabriel Prokofiev: From nonclassical and back – Vantage Music". Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  9. ^ a b "A NEW BALLET FROM PROKOFIEV – GABRIEL PROKOFIEV". Sounds Like Sydney. 13 November 2017. Archived from the original on 31 October 2020. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
  10. ^ Coffey, Russ (2 March 2004). "Prokofiev goes clubbing". The Telegraph. London. Retrieved 13 August 2011.
  11. ^ Anna Prosvetova (7 July 2016). "Interview: Gabriel Prokofiev on music in the cinema, Sergei Prokofiev's legacy and classical music today". Russian Art and Culture. Archived from the original on 24 April 2017. Retrieved 18 April 2019.
  12. ^ "KS2: Gabriel Prokofiev - Concerto for Turntables and Orchestra (5th movement)". BBC Ten Pieces. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
  13. ^ "SENSE OF TIME". The Ivors Academy. 3 November 2020. Retrieved 30 June 2023.

External links[edit]

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