Jonathan Besser was brought up in and around New York City, with a extended large Jewish family. There he studied Music composition at Mannes College of Music. Since in 1974, Jonathan has been performing, touring and recording in New Zealand, mainly with his ensembles - the 'Besser Ensemble' 'Gimel' and ‘The Zestniks'. He was the 'Mozart fellow' in 1984 at Otago University. In 1998, he was appointed 'Composer in residence' with the 'Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra'. His music has commissioned and performed by leading NZ orchestra's and chamber groups and used by The Royal NZ Ballet. Jonathan has worked with leading film makers, theatre people and poets. His music combines classical writing with contemporary improvisation. Since 2011, his music has been performed live, combining emotional content and melodic counterpoint, mixed with a strong conceptual approach to harmony.