Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

August 4, 1938 in Bournemouth, Dorset, England

Death

:

May 13, 2022

Period

:

Contemporary

 

Simon Preston is a renowned classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of music as an organist, conductor, and composer. Born on August 4, 1938, in Bournemouth, England, Preston showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of seven. He later switched to the organ and quickly became recognized as a prodigious talent. Preston's musical education began at Christ Church, Oxford, where he studied under the tutelage of the renowned organist and composer, Sir Thomas Armstrong. He later continued his studies at the Royal College of Music in London, where he won several awards and prizes for his exceptional talent. In 1962, at the age of 24, Preston was appointed the organist and choirmaster at Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford, a position he held for the next eleven years. During his tenure at Christ Church, Preston established himself as one of the leading organists of his generation. He was known for his virtuosic performances and his ability to bring out the best in the choir. He also gained a reputation as a composer, with several of his works being performed by leading orchestras and choirs around the world. In 1974, Preston was appointed the organist and master of the choristers at Westminster Abbey, one of the most prestigious positions in the world of church music. He held this position for the next fifteen years, during which time he oversaw the music for many important state occasions, including the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981. Preston's tenure at Westminster Abbey was marked by several notable achievements. He was responsible for the restoration of the abbey's historic Harrison & Harrison organ, which had fallen into disrepair. He also oversaw the creation of a new choir school, which provided a world-class education to young choristers from around the country. In addition to his work at Westminster Abbey, Preston was in demand as a conductor and performer. He conducted many of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He also performed as a soloist in many of the world's leading concert halls, including Carnegie Hall in New York and the Royal Albert Hall in London. Preston's contributions to the world of music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1979, he was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to music. He was later awarded the Queen's Medal for Music in 2008, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to British music. Today, Preston continues to be active in the world of music, performing and conducting around the world. He has also continued to compose, with several of his recent works being premiered by leading orchestras and choirs. His legacy as one of the leading figures in the world of classical music is secure, and his contributions to the art form will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.

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