Wojciech Kilar

One of the finest and most established film composers around, Poland's Wojciech Kilar has been writing music for cinema since the 1960s. His catalogue is extraordinary despite his limited fame, including The Voice From Beyond, Balance, Bram Stroker's Dracula and The Ninth Gate. Immensely talented, his scores use drama without ever becoming gaudy or insincere. Poland's rich folk tradition can be found throughout his works, offering evidence of Kilar's heartfelt connection to his homeland. Most of his recent work has a decidedly religious feel (used to powerful effect in The Ninth Gate), yet maintains a strong connection to Avant-Garde techniques. Kilar has received numerous awards, including the Lili Boulanger Memorial Fund Award of Boston, as well as two official commendations from the Polish Minister of Culture.