Sir Malcolm Arnold
Biography
Born in Northampton in 1921, Malcolm Arnold is one of the towering figures of the 20th century, with a remarkable catalogue of major concert works to his credit.
Arnold began his professional musical life in July 1941 as second trumpet with the London Philharmonic Orchestra - eventually becoming the orchestra’s Principal Trumpet. By the end of the 1940’s, he was concentrating entirely on composition.
In 1969 he was made a Bard of the Cornish Gorseth and was awarded the CBE in 1970. He holds Honorary Doctorates of Music from the Universities of Exeter, Durham and Leicester - and in America from the Miami University, Oxford, Ohio; he was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Music in 1983. In 1985 Malcolm Arnold received a knighthood in the 1993 New Year’s Honours List for his services to music.
Malcolm Arnold’s music has – and continues to be – performed and recorded extensively by leading orchestras both nationally and internationally. His belief in contemporary music led him to be an influential advocate for Pierre Boulez’s entry into British musical life.
Special musical tributes took place 2006 to mark Malcolm Arnold's 85th anniversary year.
Sir Malcolm Arnold died on 23 September 2006
Biography adapted from: www.malcolmarnold.co.uk
