Death of UK’s longest serving conductor
mainLeeds Symphony Orchestra has announced the death of Martin Binks, its conductor since May 1970.
He was 79.
Martin was appointed MBE in 2014 for services to music in Yorkshire. The French made him Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
His funeral will be at St Chads, Far Headingley, at 13.00 on Wednesday.
In addition to the LSO (where L is for Leeds) Martin directed West Riding Opera, with an enterprising repertory. The French honour was for his promotion of French music, e.g. Lalo, Berlioz (especially the latter).
LSO and Binks…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMRyZqVrBmw
Martin was an inspirational artistic director. I worked for him at one time as rehearsal pianist and chorus master, and I enjoyed every minute.