Nigel Holton, 54, died on October 26th in an accidental ocean drowning while visiting relatives in New Zealand. Nominated for an IFP \"Spirit\" award in 1992 for Kiss Me a Killer, he scored over 30 feature films, 40 documentaries and numerous short films, and released 2 albums as a contemporary instrumental artist. He composed music for the Turner Classic Movies Series on Silent Film Stars, including portraits of Marion Davies, Howard Hughes and Clara Bow. Born in Canterbury, England on July 7, 1952, he was a naturalized U.S. citizen and resided in Newbury Park, CA.
Nigel Holton was best known for his visionary orchestral film scores that elegantly blended western classical composition with the spiritually inspired music and song of indigenous cultures from around the world. He was also a talented landscape painter. Recognizing a kindred spirit, the Maori people of New Zealand conducted a rare funeral ceremony for him in their ancient tradition. He is survived by his son Nicholas, his partner Katherine Mastellos and his parents Daphne & Eric, sister Julie and brother David in New Zealand, as well as many close friends and colleagues locally and around the world. A memorial will be held on Saturday, November 18 at 1:30 p.m. in South Pasadena. For information, please call Lothar Delgado: (626) 799-2218.