Role

:

Conductor Performer

Birth

:

January 3, 1944 in Blackpool, Lancashire, England

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Opera

 

 

Orchestral

 

David Atherton is a renowned British conductor who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on January 4, 1944, in Blackpool, Lancashire, Atherton showed an early interest in music and began playing the violin at the age of six. He later studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he was awarded the prestigious Queen's Prize for his outstanding performance. Atherton began his career as a violinist, playing with various orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields. However, he soon realized that his true passion lay in conducting, and he began to focus on this aspect of music. In 1969, Atherton founded the London Sinfonietta, a chamber orchestra dedicated to contemporary music. The orchestra quickly gained a reputation for its innovative programming and high-quality performances, and Atherton became known as a champion of new music. Over the years, Atherton has conducted many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the New York Philharmonic, and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. He has also worked with many of the world's most renowned soloists, including Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, and Anne-Sophie Mutter. One of Atherton's most significant achievements was his tenure as the principal conductor of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales from 1987 to 1993. During this time, he raised the orchestra's profile and established it as one of the UK's leading orchestras. He also conducted many world premieres and commissioned new works from leading composers, including Peter Maxwell Davies and Harrison Birtwistle. Atherton has also been a regular guest conductor at the Proms, the UK's largest classical music festival. He has conducted many memorable performances at the Proms, including a performance of Mahler's Symphony No. 8 in 1975, which was widely regarded as one of the greatest Proms performances of all time. In addition to his work as a conductor, Atherton has also been a passionate advocate for music education. He has worked with many youth orchestras and has been involved in numerous educational projects, including the BBC's Ten Pieces initiative, which aims to introduce young people to classical music. Atherton has received many awards and honors throughout his career, including a CBE in 1989 and a knighthood in 1996. He has also been awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society's Conductor Award and the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Opera. In conclusion, David Atherton is a highly respected and influential figure in the world of classical music. His dedication to new music and his commitment to music education have made a significant impact on the industry, and his performances have inspired audiences around the world.

More....