William Sweeney (composer)

William Sweeney (born 1950) is a Scottish composer of contemporary classical music. He is known for incorporating elements of Scottish traditional music and landscape into his compositions.

Sweeney studied composition at the Royal Academy of Music in London with Alan Bush. His works encompass a wide range of genres, including orchestral pieces, chamber music, vocal works, and operas. He is particularly noted for his interest in exploring connections between music, nature, and Scottish cultural heritage. Recurring themes in his compositions include the sea, mountains, and historical figures from Scotland.

Notable works include An Tràigh (The Shore), inspired by the coast of Scotland, and The Killing Tide, an opera that explores themes of environmental disaster and social injustice. He has received numerous commissions and awards for his work, and his music is performed internationally. He has also lectured and taught composition at various institutions. Sweeney's music is often characterized by its evocative use of timbre, its lyrical melodies, and its powerful dramatic expression. He is considered a significant figure in contemporary Scottish music.