Henri Frédien Tomasi was a French classical composer and conductor, born on 17 August 1901 in a working-class neighbourhood of Marseille. His parents, originally from Corsica, instilled in him an early appreciation for music, and he began piano lessons at a young age. As a bright student, he won first prize in harmony by the age of fifteen. Tomasi’s early dreams of becoming a sailor led him to skip many music classes, but he later found success in both composition and conducting.

In the 1920s, he studied at the Conservatoire de Paris and won several prestigious awards for his compositions. Tomasi became known for works such as ‘In Praise of Folly’ and ‘Nuclear Era’, reflecting his disillusionment with society after World War II. His compositions often drew from diverse influences and cultures, from Corsican melodies to modernistic styles. Throughout his career, Tomasi’s innovative spirit and lyrical style left a significant impact on classical music. He passed away on 13 January 1971