Champion of British music Vernon HANDLEY dies
LONDON -
Wednesday morning English conductor of Welsh birth Vernon HANDLEY (1930-2008) died at his home in Bettws (Wales).
For over forty years Vernon 'Tod' Handley’s career has been unique amongst front rank conductors in that he has unashamedly championed British romantic repertoire before that of all other countries. Recognised as Sir Adrian Boult’s protégé he has held steadfastly to two principles, which might have proved detrimental to a successful career: the undemonstrative technique and the unfashionable repertoire.
He has probably recorded, performed and broadcast more British music than any other conductor.
Vernon Handley has conducted two concerts with the Dutch radio orchestras.
In 1997 he performed Edward Elgar's oratorio The Dream of Gerontius with the Radio Filharmonisch Orkest (Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra) and the Groot Omroepkoor (Netherland Radio Choir). Three years later the former Radio Symfonie Orkest played Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on a theme by Thomas Tallis, Alexander Campbell Mackenzie's Scottish concerto, op. 55 (with solo pianist Ronald Brautigam) and Falstaff by Edward Elgar under his baton.
Vernon Handley reached the age of 77.
Obituary
Laatste aanpassing op Tuesday 16 September 2008
