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Britten’s recording partner and Aldeburgh director has died

November 19, 2012 by

We have been informed of the death yesterday of Sir Philip Ledger, who appeared on recordings with the great composer and was named joint artistic director of the Aldeburgh Festival in 1968. Not many, however, lasted long in high places at Aldeburgh.

Ledger went on to direct the choir of Kings College Cambridge 1974-82 before he became principal of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, 1982-2001. He was a sensitive keyboard player, a good colleague and fine composer. He was 74 years old.

Sir Philip Ledger, former Director of Music at King’s College Cambridge and former Principal of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama died peacefully on Sunday 18th November after a long illness.
Philip Ledger was born in Bexhill and educated at King’s College, Cambridge. When appointed Master of Music at Chelmsford Cathedral, he became the youngest cathedral organist in the United Kingdom.
As Director of Music at the University of East Anglia, he worked closely with Benjamin Britten as an Artistic Director of the Aldeburgh Festival before returning to King’s College, Cambridge as Director of Music. There he conducted the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols which is broadcast each year on Christmas Eve, made an extensive range of recordings with the famous choir and directed recitals and tours throughout the world. He then became Principal of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.


11/19/12 11:56 AM | filed under: main |

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