Arthur Butterworth

Arthur Butterworth was born in New Moston, Manchester, in 1923. A composer, conductor, musician, and teacher, Arthur was raised on music, with his father running the church choir, in which his mother was the pianist. As well as singing in this choir, he volunteered for the village brass on trombone. His instrument of choice later became the trumpet when Arthur got his trombone stuck in tram tracks. Having attended North Manchester Grammar School, he was encouraged by his music teacher, Percy Penrose, to pursue a career in music, although his parents weren't too keen. Arthur then joined the wartime army. Having spent five years in the army, Arthur pushed for a career in music, winning the Alexander Owen Scholarship for young brass players, with his first work played in public by the Wingates Band, which were conducted by Granville Bantock. On the back of these accomplishments, Arthur studied composition under Richard Hall, also learning conducting and trumpet. He later studied with Ralph Vaughan Williams, having requested lessons, then went on to serve as a trumpeter in the Scottish National Orchestra from 1949-55, later joining the Hallé (1955-62) on his departure from there. On leaving the Hallé, he taught at the Huddersfield School of Music, combining this job with being the principal conductor of the Huddersfield Philharmonic Orchestra. Butterworth's works include concertos, symphonies, other large orchestral scores, and music for brass. In 2008, Arthur conducted a recording of his Fourth Symphony and his Viola Concerto at the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. The following year, Arthur's Sixth Symphony played in Saint Petersburg. A group of Arthur's works have been released on the Dutton Epoch Label.