Role

:

Conductor Performer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

February 20, 1948 in Worcester Park, Surrey, England

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

 

Symphony

 

Barry Wordsworth is a renowned British conductor and pianist who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. He was born on June 18, 1948, in Surbiton, Surrey, England. Wordsworth grew up in a musical family, and his father was a professional violinist. He began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Wordsworth studied at the Royal College of Music in London, where he received a scholarship to study piano. He also studied conducting with Sir Adrian Boult and Norman Del Mar. After completing his studies, Wordsworth began his career as a pianist, performing in concerts and recitals throughout the UK and Europe. In 1973, Wordsworth was appointed as the assistant conductor of the Royal Ballet, where he worked closely with the legendary choreographer Sir Kenneth MacMillan. He quickly established himself as a talented conductor and was soon appointed as the principal conductor of the Royal Ballet. Wordsworth held this position for 18 years, during which time he conducted numerous productions, including the world premiere of MacMillan's ballet "Mayerling." In addition to his work with the Royal Ballet, Wordsworth has conducted many of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. He has also conducted at many of the world's most prestigious music festivals, including the Proms in London, the Salzburg Festival, and the Edinburgh International Festival. One of Wordsworth's most significant achievements was his appointment as the principal conductor of the BBC Concert Orchestra in 1989. He held this position for 23 years, during which time he transformed the orchestra into one of the UK's leading ensembles. Under his leadership, the BBC Concert Orchestra performed a wide range of music, from classical to popular, and collaborated with many of the world's leading artists, including Plácido Domingo, José Carreras, and Kiri Te Kanawa. Wordsworth has also been recognized for his contributions to classical music. In 1993, he was awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) for his services to music. He has also received honorary doctorates from several universities, including the University of Surrey and the University of Hertfordshire. Throughout his career, Wordsworth has remained committed to promoting classical music to new audiences. He has worked with many educational institutions, including the Royal College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music, to inspire young musicians and encourage them to pursue careers in music. In recent years, Wordsworth has continued to perform and conduct, both in the UK and internationally. He has also recorded numerous albums, including recordings of works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Tchaikovsky. In conclusion, Barry Wordsworth is a highly respected conductor and pianist who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. His talent, dedication, and commitment to promoting classical music have earned him numerous accolades and awards throughout his career. He remains an inspiration to young musicians and a beloved figure in the world of classical music.

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