Birth

:

June 17, 1922

Death

:

August 1, 2013

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

John Amis was a British classical music artist who was born on June 17, 1922, in London, England. He was the son of a civil servant and a housewife, and he grew up in a middle-class family. Amis was educated at St. Paul's School in London, where he developed a love for music and began playing the piano. After completing his education, Amis joined the Royal Air Force during World War II and served as a navigator. After the war, he pursued a career in music and became a music critic for The Observer newspaper. He also worked as a broadcaster for the BBC, where he became known for his witty and insightful commentary on classical music. Amis was a passionate advocate for classical music and was known for his ability to make the genre accessible to a wider audience. He was a regular guest on BBC Radio 3's "Music Matters" program, where he shared his knowledge and enthusiasm for classical music with listeners. Throughout his career, Amis was involved in many notable performances and events. In 1951, he was a member of the jury for the first International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow, which was won by Van Cliburn. He also served as a judge for the Leeds International Piano Competition and the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition. Amis was also a frequent guest on the BBC's "Proms" concerts, which are held annually at the Royal Albert Hall in London. He was known for his humorous introductions to the concerts and his ability to engage the audience with his knowledge and passion for classical music. In addition to his work as a critic and broadcaster, Amis was also a talented pianist and conductor. He conducted the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and he performed as a soloist with many other orchestras throughout his career. Amis was recognized for his contributions to classical music with many awards and honors. In 1987, he was awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) for his services to music. He was also awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society's Gold Medal in 2003, which is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a musician in the United Kingdom. Despite his many accomplishments, Amis remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his life. He continued to work as a critic and broadcaster until his death on August 1, 2013, at the age of 91. In conclusion, John Amis was a British classical music artist who made significant contributions to the genre through his work as a critic, broadcaster, pianist, and conductor. He was a passionate advocate for classical music and was known for his ability to make the genre accessible to a wider audience. Amis was involved in many notable performances and events throughout his career and was recognized for his contributions with many awards and honors. He will be remembered as a dedicated and talented musician who left a lasting impact on the world of classical music.

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