Role

:

Composer Conductor

Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Classical

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Anthony Bernard was a British conductor and composer who made significant contributions to the classical music world during the mid-20th century. Born on June 17, 1891, in London, Bernard showed an early interest in music and began studying the piano at the age of six. He later attended the Royal Academy of Music, where he studied composition and conducting. After completing his studies, Bernard began his career as a conductor, working with various orchestras in London. In 1923, he was appointed the conductor of the London Chamber Orchestra, a position he held for several years. During this time, he also worked as a conductor for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), where he conducted numerous radio broadcasts of classical music. In 1930, Bernard was appointed the conductor of the City of Birmingham Orchestra (now known as the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra). He held this position for several years and helped to establish the orchestra as one of the leading orchestras in the country. During his tenure, he conducted numerous concerts and recordings, including the first recording of Elgar's Symphony No. 2. In 1936, Bernard was appointed the conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, one of the most prestigious orchestras in the world. He held this position for several years and conducted numerous concerts and recordings, including the first recording of Vaughan Williams' Symphony No. 5. He also conducted the orchestra in several high-profile performances, including the coronation of King George VI in 1937. During World War II, Bernard served as a captain in the British Army and was stationed in North Africa. After the war, he returned to his career as a conductor and continued to work with various orchestras in London. In 1948, he was appointed the conductor of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, a position he held for several years. In addition to his work as a conductor, Bernard was also a composer. He wrote several works for orchestra, including a symphony and a piano concerto. He also wrote music for films, including the score for the 1948 film "The Winslow Boy." Throughout his career, Bernard received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the classical music world. In 1953, he was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to music. He was also awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Philharmonic Society in 1958. Anthony Bernard died on March 20, 1963, at the age of 71. He is remembered as a talented conductor and composer who made significant contributions to the classical music world during his lifetime.

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