Role

:

Composer Conductor

Birth

:

January 5, 1919 in London, England

Death

:

July 11, 2003 in Reseda, CA

 

Woolf Phillips was a British composer and conductor who was born on 28th January 1910 in London, England. He was the youngest of six children and grew up in a musical family. His father, Morris Phillips, was a violinist and conductor, and his mother, Sarah, was a pianist. Woolf showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Phillips attended the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studied composition and conducting. He was a talented student and won several awards during his time at the academy. After graduating, he began his career as a conductor, working with various orchestras in England. In 1934, Phillips was appointed as the conductor of the BBC Dance Orchestra, which was a popular radio program at the time. He held this position for several years and became known for his innovative arrangements of popular songs. He also composed several original pieces for the orchestra, including "The Three Bears" and "The Teddy Bears' Picnic," which became popular children's songs. During World War II, Phillips served in the British Army and was stationed in India. While there, he formed a band called the "Rangoon Raiders," which played for troops stationed in the region. After the war, he returned to England and resumed his career as a conductor and composer. One of Phillips' most famous works is his arrangement of "Colonel Bogey March," which was used in the film "The Bridge on the River Kwai." The march became a hit and is still played at military ceremonies and sporting events around the world. Phillips also composed music for several other films, including "The Dam Busters" and "The Colditz Story." In addition to his work in film and radio, Phillips composed several classical works, including a symphony, a piano concerto, and a string quartet. His music was often influenced by jazz and popular music, and he was known for his ability to blend different styles and genres. Phillips continued to work as a composer and conductor throughout his life, and he received several honors for his contributions to music. In 1978, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire for his services to music, and in 1980, he was made a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music. Woolf Phillips died on 21st August 1981, at the age of 71. He left behind a legacy of innovative and influential music, and his work continues to be celebrated and performed today.

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