Peter Klatzow

Peter James Leonard Klatzow (14 July 1945 – 29 December 2021) was a South African composer and pianist known for his contributions to classical music in South Africa, particularly through his innovative use of tonality, his integration of diverse cultural influences, and his significant advancements in marimba music. He held academic positions at the University of Cape Town, where he became professor of composition and director of the South African College of Music. Early life and education Klatzow was born in Springs, South Africa, into a family with Jewish heritage, although he was baptized at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Brakpan, due to his maternal grandmother’s influence. His early musical education began at the Roman Catholic convent of Saint Imelda in Brakpan when he was about five years old. After completing his schooling, Klatzow briefly taught music and Afrikaans at Waterford Kamhlaba School in Swaziland before moving to London in 1964 to study at the Royal College of Music (RCM). At the RCM, he studied under notable figures such as Bernard Stevens (composition), Gordon Jacob (orchestration), and Kathleen Long (piano). During his time there, Klatzow won several prizes for