Sir John Barbirolli was born in London in December 1899 of Italian emigré parents. He studied the cello, making his début and first recordings in 1911. Barbirolli played in many orchestras and chamber ensembles before founding his own orchestra in 1926. His London début was in December 1927 with the LSO, was quickly followed by his first recordings for EMI, in addition to seasons at Covent Garden from 1929. Appointed conductor of the Scottish Orchestra in 1933, Barbirolli moved to the New York Philharmonic for six years in 1936 before returning to the Hallé Orchestra in 1943. He was chief conductor of the Houston SO (1961-4) in addition to conducting world wide. A great servant to British music, Barbirolli was also widely admired for his Bruckner and Mahler. Died July 1970.