Famous British Conductors

Georg Solti was an operatic and orchestral conductor. He is best remembered for his association with opera companies in London, Frankfurt, and Munich. He also worked with the popular Chicago Symphony Orchestra where he served as a music director for a long time. Solti became the subject of a 1987 biographical TV documentary titled This Is Your Life.

George Martin was an English composer, conductor, arranger, record producer, and audio engineer. Due to his involvement on each of the Beatles' albums, Martin was often referred to as the Fifth Beatle. In 1996, George Martin was made a Knight Bachelor for his contribution to the music industry. Apart from being a musician, Martin also contributed to several charitable causes.

Grammy Award-winning legendary 20th-century violinist Yehudi Menuhin was born to Lithuanian Jews in the US. Starting his training in the violin at age 4, he later studied music in Paris. He also experimented with fusion, collaborating with jazz and Indian classical musicians. He later launched the Yehudi Menuhin School.

Craig Revel Horwood is an Australian-British dancer, choreographer, author, theatre director, conductor, and former drag queen. Also a TV personality, Horwood is best known for appearing as a judge on the British television dance contest, Strictly Come Dancing. Craig Revel Horwood has also released three autobiographies by joining hands with Michael O'Mara Books.

The son of world-renowned composer William Lloyd Webber and his piano teacher wife, Julian Lloyd Webber is also the brother of composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. A talented celloist in his own right, he has taught at Guildhall and has collaborated with musical legends such as Yehudi Menuhin and Elton John.

Born to Holocaust survivors, Hungarian-born pianist Andras Schiff began learning the piano at age 5. He is now best known for his interpretations of legends such as of Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. His numerous awards include a Grammy. He was also knighted for his achievements.

George Henschel started his career as a pianist but later found success as a baritone. Born in Germany, he later acquired a British citizenship and performed as the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s first conductor. He was also knighted for his achievements. He was married to soprano Lilian June Bailey.