Harald Weiss (surname also spelled "Weiß") (born 26 May 1949) is a German composer, director, screenwriter, and free-lance artist. Weiss was born in Salzgitter. His compositions are influenced by minimalism as well as jazz and rock music. Numerous trips (in the context of theatre workshops and tours) to Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America have also had a significant influence on his music. Weiss has received many awards for his musical compositions and films, including the Niedersachsen Kulturpreis (1982), the Kulturpreis of Bielefeld (1984), and a fellowship from the Villa Massimo in Rome (1985-1986).