Thomas Koppel was a unique figure in the Danish musical landscape thanks to his exceptional ability to produce compositions of very high quality within almost all genres.

Thomas Koppel was born on 27 April 1944 as the son of the composer and pianist Herman D. Koppel, and was brought up with music throughout his childhood.

At the age of 18 the young Thomas Koppel had already composed his first opera, 'A Mother's Tale', which was performed by the Royal Opera.  In the wake of the success of 'A Mother's Tale', Thomas Koppel was awarded the Carl Nielsen Scholarship - the youngest composer ever to receive it.

In 1972, Thomas Koppel  co-operated with the dancer and choreographer Flemming Flindt on the ballet 'Dødens Triumf' ('Triumph of Death'), which was the greatest success ever for the Royal Ballet in London.

Thomas Koppel probably achieved his largest audience through his involvement with the rock group Savage Rose, which was initially founded as a folk ballad project by Thomas Koppel and his two siblings Anders and Lone. In 1968 the group was extended with a further four musicians, including Thomas Koppel's later wife Annisette Hansen.

The group immediately achieved great success, and over three decades they issued more than twenty albums, several of which are considered to be milestones in Danish musical history. Thomas Koppel and his wife Annisette used their fame to involve themselves in projects to promote peace and social justice.

With the death of Thomas Koppel, Danish musical life has lost one of its most skilful composers and musicians, as well as a committed social activist. 

www.thomaskoppel.com
www.savagerose.com