HOWARD FERGUSON

1908 - 1999

Howard Ferguson, the noted composer and teacher, has recently died, aged 91. Born in Belfast, he was invited to London as a 13-year old pianist to study with Harold Samuel. Subsequent study at the Royal College of Music was with R.O. Morris for composition and Sir Malcolm Sargeant for conducting. His first composition, the Octet, was significant and became highly regarded. He was only to compose a handful of works before deciding in the early 60s to cease with all he had to say as a composer completed.

His teaching at the Royal Academy of Music embraced the developing talents of Richard Rodney Bennett, Susan Bradshaw, Cornelius Cardew, and John Joubert, amongst many others.

Ferguson's music has always caught the attention of leading performers, and most of it now preserved on CD.