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British composer renowned for his evocative film and television scores, particularly for the fifth and sixth Harry Potter films. Nicholas Hooper is a British composer primarily known for his work in film and television. Born in 1952, he gained significant recognition for scoring 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' (2007) and 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince' (2009). His career spans decades, encompassing scores for numerous documentaries, dramas, and feature films, often characterized by rich orchestration and acoustic guitar work.

• Hooper had a strong background in folk and acoustic music before entering film scoring, which influenced his distinctive sound.
• He was a surprising choice for the Harry Potter franchise, succeeding established composers John Williams and Patrick Doyle, bringing a more intimate and character-driven approach.
• After the massive success of the Harry Potter films, Hooper largely stepped back from high-profile feature film scoring, returning to his roots in documentary and television work, citing the immense pressure and scale of the Potter projects.
• He frequently collaborates with his wife, flautist and composer Helen Keen.
• Hooper is known for incorporating unusual instruments and found sounds into his scores, adding unique textures.