thomas simaku (1958)
Thomas Simaku is an Albanian and British composer living and working in York.
Simaku graduated from the Albanian State Conservatory of Music in Tirana, before being appointed music director of the Palace of Culture of Permet in southern Albania. In 1991 Simaku moved to England, studied with David Blake at the University of York and earned a doctorate in composition.
Thomas Simaku rose to fame in 1995 when his work Epitaph for String Orchestra was selected by an international jury to participate in the ISCM World Music Days in Germany. It was the first time the music of an Albanian composer was included in this prestigious festival. His works then participated many times in various world music festivals.
In 2000, Simaku was granted British citizenship. He lives in York and teaches composition at the University of York.
