Howard Shore began his professional musical journey as a saxophonist and member of the jazz fusion ensemble Lighthouse between 1969 and 1972. Based in Toronto, Canada, he later transitioned into a career as a conductor and film score composer, eventually earning global recognition for his extensive contributions to both television production and large-scale cinematic music.
Television and Early Career
After graduating from Forest Hill Collegiate Institute and attending the Berklee College of Music, Shore established early connections in the entertainment industry. From 1975 to 1980, he served as the original musical director for the American sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live. His television work also included directing music for The Hart & Lorne Terrific Hour in 1970 and composing for the magic musical Spellbound in 1974.
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Shore is known for his long-standing partnership with director David Cronenberg, having scored nearly every film in the director's catalog since 1979, starting with The Brood. Beyond this collaboration, he has worked with other major directors, including six films with Martin Scorsese and notable projects like The Silence of the Lambs, Big, and Mrs. Doubtfire. His work spans over 80 films, showcasing his versatility across genres.
The Lord of the Rings and Awards
The composer achieved significant success with Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy. These scores, performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, secured multiple accolades for Shore. His work on the series earned him Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song in 2004, alongside numerous Grammy, Golden Globe, and Canadian Screen Awards. He also composed the score for The Hobbit trilogy.
Concert Works
Beyond cinema, Shore has branched into concert composition. This includes his opera, The Fly, which debuted at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris in 2008, based on the narrative of the 1986 film he also scored. Additional compositions include a short piece titled Fanfare for the Wanamaker Organ and the Philadelphia Orchestra, as well as an overture commissioned for the Swiss 21st Century Symphony Orchestra.
Fast facts
- Born: 1946, Toronto, Canada
- Education: Forest Hill Collegiate Institute; Berklee College of Music
- Occupations: Composer, conductor, saxophonist
- Notable Works: Concerning Hobbits
- Academy Award Wins: Best Original Song (2004)
- Grammy Awards: 2003, 2005
- Primary Professional Location: New York City
- Languages: English
Questions readers ask
What television show did Howard Shore direct music for?
He served as the original musical director for Saturday Night Live from 1975 to 1980.
Has Howard Shore written operas?
Yes, he composed an opera titled The Fly, which premiered in Paris in 2008.
Achievements
- Academy Award for Best Original Score — 2004
- Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score — 2004
- Educated at Berklee College of Music
- Worked as composer, conductor and film score composer
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