Sir Adrian Boult

Sir Adrian Boult, a titan of 20th-century classical music, was an English conductor renowned for his profound influence on British and international orchestral music. Born into a prosperous mercantile family, Boult's musical journey began with studies at Christ Church, Oxford, and the Leipzig Conservatory, where he honed his conducting skills. His career took off with prominent roles at the Royal Opera House and Sergei Diaghilev's ballet company, leading to his appointment as the conductor of the City of Birmingham Orchestra in 1924.

In 1930, Boult was appointed director of music at the British Broadcasting Corporation, where he founded and led the BBC Symphony Orchestra, setting unprecedented standards of excellence. His tenure spanned six decades, during which he championed British composers such as Elgar, Holst, and Vaughan Williams, and made extensive recordings for EMI. Boult's legacy extends beyond his native country, as he was also internationally acclaimed for his interpretations of the standard repertory, including works by Wagner and Mozart. His contributions to music have left an indelible mark, making him one of the greatest figures in classical conducting.