John Bostock

John Bostock was born in Sydney, Australia. He has been living in Israel since 1987. 

In 1998, Bostock graduated  magna cum laude with a M.Mus from the Rubin Academy of Music, University of Tel Aviv, where he was a pupil of Leon Schidlowsky. Bostock graduated from the University of Sydney in 2004, with a Ph.D. in Composition after completing studies under Arie Shapira and Anne Boyd.

Bostock was admitted as a member to the Israel Composers’ League in 1995. He has twice been the recipient of the ACUM prize; in 2004 for his work When Thou My Love Who for tape and small ensemble, and in 2000 for his String Quartet No. 1. 

His works have been performed by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Ensemble Meitar, the Israel Contemporary Players, the Israel Contemporary String Quartet, the Musica Nova Ensemble, the ARCKO Symphonic Project and the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.

In 1996 his work In Memoriam for symphony orchestra was among three finalists in a competition honouring the 60th birthday of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.

Bostock’s most recent works combine eclectic influences ranging from Renaissance music to Messiaen and Shapira. They may be both challenging and accessible to the listener, involving the use of complex instrumental intonations and incorporating the use of computer-generated sounds and interfaces interacting with live performance.

“Bostock’s works are the opposite of postcards: sketches of feelings and emotions, based on patient observation and profound attentiveness.” Ben Shalev, Ha’aretz.