Edward Downes

Sir Edward Downes was born in Birmingham and as a young man studied and worked with Herman Scherchen. He has had a 35 year relationship with the BBC Philharmonic, first as Chief Guest Conductor, then Principal Conductor 1980-1991 and now as Conductor Emeritus. He has toured all over the world with the Orchestra as well as conducting concerts and recording in this country. This season is the 51st year he has conducted the Royal Opera at Covent Garden. In 1952 he joined the Royal Opera where he remained a company member for 17 years. He then returned as a guest every year and in 1991 became Associate Music Director. He has conducted 49 different operas in over 900 performances.

In 1970 he became Music Director of the Australian Opera and conducted the first performance in the Sydney Opera House. He was Chief Conductor of the Netherlands Radio Orchestra until 1983. He travels widely as a guest conductor to opera houses and orchestras all over the world.

He has been honoured by three music colleges and five universities as well as receiving the Laurence Olivier, Evening Standard, Critics Choice and Royal Philharmonic Society awards. He became a CBE in 1986 and was knighted in 1991.

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