Profiles of people historically connected with the Leicester Symphony Orchestra

Benjamin Burrows

Benjamin Burrows (1891–1966) was a brilliant music teacher, organist, pianist, composer, and inventor. He came from a musical family and played for Leicester Symphony Orchestra (LSO) whenever an organist or supplementary pianist was needed. He was the brother of Grace...

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Malcolm Sargent

This article is based on my recent research into the life of Malcolm Sargent which I have found fascinating, intriguing and compelling in equal measure. I have read a great deal and talked to many people who have memories of him and people who knew him including...

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Arthur Thornley

Arthur Thornley (1905 - 1977): was a mainstay of the Leicester Symphony Orchestra for almost 50 years. His leadership and determination carried the LSO through the 1930s, the war and the post-war years. Such were the difficulties in these decades, it is fair to say...

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George Robert Tebbs

George Robert TEBBS (1871 – 1923) was a modest man at the centre of music making in Leicester in the decade before the Leicester Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1922. He was the much loved founder of the De Montfort Orchestra, Leicester's first full...

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Michael Tippett

Michael Tippett (1905-1998), later Sir Michael, has no direct connection with Leicester Symphony Orchestra but I have included an entry on him here because his path crossed that of Malcolm Sargent significantly during his formative years. It was after...

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Karl Russell

George Karl Russell (c1888 - c1960), known as Karl, was the driving force behind the establishment of the Leicester Symphony Orchestra. This followed the astounding success of Malcolm Sargent's debut 'Windy Day' concert in February 1921. He was passionate about music,...

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Grace Burrows

Grace Burrows (1893–1981) was an accomplished violinist at the forefront of performing and teaching in Leicester for 30 years. She played a central role in setting up and running Leicester Symphony Orchestra (LSO) which she led for 20 years. She actively promoted the...

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