Death of a prolific British composer, 75
mainThe death has been reported of Derek Bourgeois, composer of a dazzling variety of scores.
Derek was head of the National Youth Orchestra from 1984 to 1993 and subsequently director of music at St Paul’s School for Girls, where he was proud to number Holst and Howells among his predecessors.
He wrote no fewer than 114 symphonies* but was probably best known for his TV scores, which included The Barchester Chronicles and Mansfield Park. He also wrote copiously for brass and wind bands.
*Alan Rusbridger, his former student, says the final tally is 116.
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