Christopher Painter is a Welsh composer whose output includes orchestral, brass band, wind band, chamber, choral, and vocal music.

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Born in Port Talbot, South Wales, he studied at University College, Cardiff, then studied composition with Alun Hoddinott, with whom he maintained a close professional association for more than a quarter of a century. He also received guidance from several distinguished composers, including Robert Simpson, John McCabe, Edward Gregson and George Benjamin.

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His music has been commissioned, performed, broadcast and recorded by ensembles in the United Kingdom and internationally. Significant orchestral works include The Furnace of Colours, commissioned by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and Invisible Cities and Bugles Sang, both commissioned and performed by the National Youth Orchestra of Wales. His Forest of Dreams premiered in Germany, while his Third Symphony, Fire in the Snow, premiered in Mexico City.

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His brass and wind repertoire includes Ceremonies of Fire, Mirkviðr, The Elephant and the Dove, and The Petrified Falcon, along with numerous chamber and solo works.

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Among his awards are the Gregynog Composer Award of Wales (1997) and two awards of the Musicians' Medal at the National Eisteddfod of Wales (2005 and 2010).

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In addition to composing, he founded Oriana Publications in 1996 and has worked extensively as a music editor, publisher, and orchestral librarian.

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The Painter@65 project in 2027 celebrates his sixty-fifth year through performances, recordings and renewed exploration of his catalogue.