Peter Foley

Peter Benjamin Foley of Nyack, New York, died at home on August 27, 2021, after surviving ocular (uveal) melanoma, a rare cancer, for more than 10 years. He was 54.

A composer, lyricist, arranger, orchestrator, and music director for theater, television, and film, Foley is remembered for his singular artistry and wide-ranging work, musical knowledge and expertise, love of language, dedication to craft, and for his fierce intelligence, warmth, and wit.

Born February 21, 1967, in Berkeley, California, Foley displayed musical talent at an early age. He studied piano with Roy Bogas and in middle school played in the storied Berkeley Public Schools jazz program. In high school, he played piano and percussion with the Bay Area Wind Symphony and at age 16 was the piano soloist for RHAPSODY IN BLUE at Zellerbach Hall on the UC Berkeley campus. At Berkeley High School, he developed a love of theater, accompanying and performing as an actor in several plays and musicals, from COMPANY to THE THREEPENNY OPERA. His fascination with the shows of Stephen Sondheim inspired him to become a composer and lyricist, and Sondheim became one of his early mentors.