Peter Maxwell Davies was a renowned English composer, conductor, and teacher, celebrated for his innovative and prolific compositions. Born on 8 September 1934 in Salford, near Manchester, he went on to become one of the most influential British composers of the 20th century. With a career spanning over six decades, Peter Maxwell Davies left a legacy of over 300 compositions, including symphonies, operas, and music-theatre works, often inspired by his love of Scotland and political activism. His notable works include Eight Songs for a Mad King and Symphony No. 9, showcasing his unique ability to combine disparate styles and push boundaries in contemporary music.