David Newman (composer)
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David Newman (born March 11, 1954) is an American composer known particularly for his music for the movies.
Newman was born in Los Angeles, California to the late Hollywood composer Alfred Newman. He is the brother of the Hollywood composer Thomas Newman and a cousin of composer Randy Newman. An accomplished violinist, and successful concert conductor, Newman was educated at the University of Southern California.
Newman's success seems tied to his collaboration with actor/director Danny DeVito, beginning with Throw Momma from the Train (1987). He continued with DeVito for The War of the Roses (1989), Hoffa (1992) and Matilda (1996). His sensibility toward comedy brought him to The Flintstones (1994), The Mighty Ducks (1992), The Nutty Professor (1996), and Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989), and requests for his scores for comedic films have continued to this day.
His other scores include The Phantom, The Brave Little Toaster, Anastasia, Malone, Ice Age, Serenity, and R.O.T.O.R.. He received an Academy Award nomination for the score to the animated film Anastasia.
In 1997, David Newman also began a four year stint as the music director for the Sundance Institute, and he has conducted the Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra on several occasions.
David Newman was elected president of The Film Music Society in February of 2007.[1]