Arthur Butterworth
English composer, conductor and teacher Arthur Butterworth was born at New Moston, Manchester, on 4 August 1923. As a teenager he sang in the local church choir, played trombone with the Besses o' the' Barn Band and began conducting lessons. At the Royal Manchester College of Music he studied composition (with Richard Hall), trumpet and conducting.
He played trumpet in the Scottish National Orchestra from 1949 until 1955 and in the Hallé Orchestra from 1955 until 1962, also freelancing until 1963, when he began teaching at the Huddersfield School of Music.
His compositions include symphonies, concertos and many serious works for brass band, including championship works. There are several recordings of his music, including Barbirolli conducting the first symphony - the work which made Butterworth's name.
Arthur Butterworth died at Embsay, near Skipton, on 20 November 2014, aged ninety-one.
A selection of articles about Arthur Butterworth
Ensemble. Outstanding Performances - Susan Milan at London's Wigmore Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman
CD Spotlight. Lurking romanticism? - Discovering British light music, with Ron Bierman. 'Sutherland and the Royal Ballet Sinfonia are ideal interpreters.'