HK Gruber is the composer of the celebrated 'pandemonium' Frankenstein!!, which has received hundreds of performances and broadcasts worldwide * Music refracts Viennese tradition, both classical and popular, through contemporary lens * His works draw on the cabaret style of the Weimar Republic, often combined with irreverent black humour * Much admired for concertos including two violin concertos for Ernst Kovacic, a Cello Concerto for Yo-Yo Ma and a trumpet concerto Aerialfor Håkan Hardenberger * Has appeared at many international festivals as featured composer, conductor, chansonnier, and music-theatre performer, including 2006 Lucerne Festival * Recordings on the BIS, Chandos and Largo labels
Works by HK Gruber include: Frankenstein!! (1977/79) for chansonnier and orchestra or ensemble Cello Concerto (1989) for cello and ensemble (or small orchestra) Aerial (1998-99) Concerto for trumpet and orchestra
Looking Ahead: Busking, a new work for trumpet and chamber orchestra for Håkan Hardenberger and Amsterdam Sinfonietta with first performances in Essen and Amsterdam (17/21 May 2008); plans for new percussion concerto for Martin Grubinger (2008/09 season)
"...the nostalgic frisson and the ironic surprise are technical means used by Gruber with absolute authority to create forthright masterpieces." — Sunday Times
