Composer and academic. Born in Glasgow, although moved to London at the age of 7. Ellis initially trained as an engineer, but gave this up to join the Royal College of Music, from which he graduated in 1951. Between 1961 and 1981 he became a Professor at Duke University in the USA. He was a noted composer of chamber, choral and orchestral works, together with operas including The Royal Hunt of the Sun (1969). His Scottish Dances (1956) are based on traditional tunes to which Robert Burns (1759-96) set some of his poetry.
Hamilton received an honorary degree from the University of Glasgow. He died in London.
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