Role

:

Composer Conductor Performer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

March 28, 1940 in London, England

Genre

:

Choral

 

Martin Neary is a renowned British conductor, organist, and composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on November 28, 1940, in London, Neary showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of five. He later learned to play the organ and became a chorister at St. Paul's Cathedral in London. Neary's musical education continued at the Royal College of Music, where he studied organ, composition, and conducting. He also studied with the famous composer Benjamin Britten and worked as his assistant at the Aldeburgh Festival. Neary's talent and dedication to music were evident from an early age, and he quickly established himself as a rising star in the classical music world. In 1964, Neary was appointed as the organist and master of the choristers at Winchester Cathedral, a position he held for 11 years. During his time at Winchester, Neary made significant contributions to the cathedral's music program, including the establishment of a girls' choir and the commissioning of new works by contemporary composers. In 1975, Neary was appointed as the organist and master of the choristers at Westminster Abbey, one of the most prestigious positions in British church music. Neary's tenure at Westminster Abbey was marked by numerous highlights, including his direction of the music for the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981. Neary also conducted the music for the funeral of Princess Diana in 1997, which was watched by millions of people around the world. Neary's work at Westminster Abbey also included the commissioning of new works by contemporary composers, such as John Tavener and James MacMillan. He also conducted numerous recordings of the abbey's music, including a recording of Handel's Messiah that won a Grammy Award in 1985. In addition to his work at Westminster Abbey, Neary has also conducted numerous orchestras and choirs around the world, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. He has also served as a guest conductor for the BBC Proms and the Edinburgh Festival. Neary's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1996, he was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to music. He has also been awarded honorary doctorates from several universities, including the University of Winchester and the University of Aberdeen. In addition to his work as a conductor and organist, Neary is also a prolific composer. His works include numerous choral and organ pieces, as well as a setting of the Requiem Mass. His compositions have been performed by choirs and orchestras around the world, and he has been commissioned to write works for numerous occasions, including the 50th anniversary of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Throughout his career, Martin Neary has been a passionate advocate for classical music and has worked tirelessly to promote its importance and relevance in today's world. His contributions to the world of music have been significant, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of musicians and music lovers.

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