7 wealthiest composers in the world in 2025 – net worths, ranked
Danny Elfman (left), Andrew Lloyd Webber and Hans Zimmer: three of the world's wealthiest composers. Photos: SCMP Archives, Getty Images, @hanszimmerlive/Instagram Millionaires and billionaires
When it comes to showbiz, much credit goes to the stars on stage or in front of the camera. But a lot happens behind the scenes and acclaim must also go to many others, including the creators of some of the entertainment industry's most memorable film scores.
Responsible for some of the best-known music from film, television and stage, these composers have earned fortunes during their illustrious careers. With the Academy Awards just around the corner, here are the seven richest composers in the world today, according to Celebrity Net Worth. 7. Michael Giacchino, 57 Estimated net worth: US$25 million Composer Michael Giacchino has written for television, film and video games. Photo: @m_giacchino/Instagram Known in film, television and video-game circles, composer Michael Giacchino has a close working relationship with director J.J. Abrams that has led to scores for TV shows Alias and Lost , plus films such as Mission: Impossible III and the Star Trek reboots , according to his website. His score for Pixar's 2009 box office hit Up earned him an Oscar, Golden Globe, Bafta and two Grammys. 6. Danny Elfman, 71 Estimated net worth: US$50 million Danny Elfman has worked extensively with Tim Burton on films including Beetlejuice Beetlejuice – hence the suit. Photo: @dannyelfman/Instagram Quadruple Oscar nominee Danny Elfman is one of Hollywood's most versatile film composers, working with the likes of heavyweight directors Tim Burton , Peter Jackson, Ang Lee and Guillermo del Toro. He's also responsible for some of TV's most recognisable theme tunes, including those of Desperate Housewives and The Simpsons .
In the latter, it is his voice that intones 'The Simpsonnnnss' over three notes, a snippet that has continued to earn him performance royalties since the show began in 1989, per Celebrity Net Worth. 'I didn't expect anybody to see The Simpsons ,' he told Vulture. 'I didn't know that I would actually be hitting a jackpot.' 5. Alan Menken, 75 Estimated net worth: US$100 million
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
HKFP
11 hours ago
- HKFP
Hong Kong pianist Aristo Sham wins historic gold at prestigious Cliburn competition
Hong Kong musician Aristo Sham has become the city's first pianist to win the top prize at the prestigious Cliburn competition in the United States. The 29-year-old won the gold medal and a cash award of US$100,000 (HK$784,800) on Saturday after defeating five other finalists at the 17th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. His prize also includes three years of individualised career management, a Platoon Records live album, a promotional package covering press kits and website management, as well as performance attire sponsored by US department store chain Neiman Marcus. As part of the three-year career management programme, Sham will embark on US and international concert tours. Vitaly Starikov of Israel/Russia won the silver medal, while American pianist Evren Ozel was awarded the bronze. Sham also received the Carla and Kelly Thompson Audience Award, which came with a cash prize of US$2,500 (HK$19,700). Sham was among 28 pianists handpicked from a pool of 340 applicants from 45 countries and regions to compete in the 2025 Cliburn competition, which started on May 21 in Fort Worth, Texas. During the final round, Sham played Mendelssohn's Piano Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 25 and Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major, Op. 83. In a backstage interview with the competition organiser released on Sunday, Sham said the Mendelssohn piece he played was 'whimsy' and full of 'dazzling virtuosity' and 'irresistible lightness.' He added he was glad to be the first contestant to play Mendelssohn's Piano Concerto No. 1 at the Cliburn Competition. 'At the end of the second movement, it's like this overwhelming feeling that no matter what happens in the world, everything will be okay. I feel that so much with Mendelssohn, and I think that really is his music's worth,' he said. According to his profile on the Cliburn website, Sham learned piano at the age of three from his mother. He began competing and playing in concerts when he was 10 years old. He graduated from Harvard University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts and earned a master's degree in piano performance at the New England Conservatory of Music under pianist Victor Rosenbaum in 2020. He went on to study at the Ingesund School of Music in Sweden before going back to the US to acquire an artist diploma at The Juilliard School. Sham has played in concerts in Asia, Europe, and the US, including with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also performed for British royalty and former Chinese leader Hu Jintao.
South China Morning Post
20 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
As Studio Ghibli turns 40, fans worry about its future once Hayao Miyazaki retires
Japan's Studio Ghibli turns 40 this month with two Oscars and legions of fans young and old won over by its films' complex plots and hand-drawn animation. The studio behind the Oscar-winning Spirited Away has become a cultural phenomenon since Miyazaki and the late Isao Takahata established it in 1985. Its popularity has been fuelled recently by a second Academy Award in 2024 for The Boy and the Heron, with a voice cast including Robert Pattinson, and by Netflix streaming Ghibli films around the world. Play In March, the internet was flooded with pictures in its distinctively nostalgic style after the release of OpenAI's newest image generator – raising questions over copyright.
RTHK
2 days ago
- RTHK
HK's Aristo Sham wins top international piano contest
HK's Aristo Sham wins top international piano contest Sham plays at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in Fort Worth. Photo courtesy of the Cliburn Competition website Local pianist Aristo Sham has won the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, a classical music contest held every four years in the United States. Sham was one of 28 top competitors invited to play in person in Fort Worth, although 340 pianists from 45 countries and regions took part. In addition to winning US$100,000 in prize money, the 29-year-old will also get artistic and publicity support from the organisers for three years, along with career management. His mother, who teaches the piano, told RTHK that Sham had enjoyed the process despite the difficulties. Born in Hong Kong, Sham started playing the piano at the age of three. He studied at Harrow School in London and graduated from Harvard University before completing a master's degree in music at the New England Conservatory. Sham has won numerous international competitions. He has also performed for former President Hu Jintao, King Charles of the United Kingdom, and Belgium's Queen Mathilde.
