Gavin Greenaway is Born
In the repertoire of Epcot music, few composers have contributed so much with one project as Gavin Greenaway.
Born in London, England in 1964, Gavin’s impressive career as a Composer & Conductor intersected with Epcot in 1999 with his commission to compose IllumiNations 2000: Reflections of Earth. The first edition of the long-running IllumiNations program to feature a completely original score. Unlike most fireworks displays that use familiar classical music spliced together in segments of 30 to 40 seconds Reflections of Earth featured an original sound with smooth transitions “so that when you come to the end you feel like you’ve experienced an incredible symphony choreographed to a light show” Gavin stated at the time of production.
After completing the spectacular Reflections of Earth, Gavin immediately set to work on the spiritual experience known as the Tapestry of Nations. A processional that also broke new ground by being the first parade to feature one continuous (non-repeating) 30-minute score that’s a blend of ancient forms and contemporary arrangements, that featured tribal drums and a 30-voice choir chanting in a language yet to be.
Beyond Epcot, Gavin worked regularly for a number of years with The Walt Disney Company on various projects including 2001’s “Fantasy” section of the Suite of Dreams for the 100 Years of Magic celebration commemorating the centennial of Walt Disney’s birth. You can hear that composition as part of A Musical History of the Magic Kingdom on our sister site (towards the bottom of the playlist).
Gavin Greenaway also returned to compose for nighttime spectaculars in 2004 with Tokyo Disneysea’s “BraviSEAmo!” Probably the most unique show in theme park history, BraviSEAmo! is the love story between the Spirit of Water “Bellisea” and the Spirit of Fire “Prometeo”.
Click above to view BraviSEAmo!
Gavin is also a highly prolific conductor working on many notable projects like Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, TRON: Legacy, Interstellar and many, many others. And is currently on tour as the conductor for “The World of Hans Zimmer” concert series.
Additionally, you can hear Tammy Tuckey’s interview with Gavin recorded for the Millennium Celebration’s 15th anniversary in 2018.
