Role

:

Composer Conductor Performer

Birth

:

June 11, 1921

Death

:

September 28, 2015

Genre

:

Opera

 

Alexander Faris was a renowned classical music artist who made significant contributions to the world of music as a composer, conductor, and pianist. He was born on October 17, 1921, in Dublin, Ireland, to a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist, which meant that music was an integral part of his upbringing. Faris showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. He received his formal music education at the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin, where he studied piano, composition, and conducting. He later continued his studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he won several awards for his compositions. Faris began his career as a pianist, performing in concerts and recitals throughout Europe. However, he soon realized that his true passion lay in conducting and composing. He made his conducting debut in 1949 with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and quickly established himself as a talented conductor. Over the course of his career, Faris conducted many of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. He also conducted numerous operas, including productions at the Royal Opera House in London and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Faris was also a prolific composer, with a repertoire that included orchestral works, chamber music, and operas. His most famous work is the musical adaptation of George Bernard Shaw's play "Pygmalion," which was later adapted into the hit musical "My Fair Lady." Faris also composed the music for several films, including "The Wind Cannot Read" and "The Battle of the River Plate." In addition to his work as a conductor and composer, Faris was also a respected music educator. He taught at several institutions, including the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. Throughout his career, Faris received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of music. He was awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 1974 and was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1994. He was also awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Philharmonic Society in 1995. Faris continued to work in music until his death on September 14, 2019, at the age of 97. His legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

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