Lamented death of a British opera conductor
mainThe hardworking opera conductor Andrew Greenwood, fixture at Covent Garden and Welsh National Opera, has died of cancer in his 60s.
Yorkshire born, he went to Cambridge and lived with his family mostly in Wales.
His last production should have been an Idomemeo in November, cancelled due to Covid.
Many singers are mourning his passing on social media.
He was a wonderful conductor. I remember his ‘Christina, regina di Svezia’ by Foroni, at Wexford Festival Opera.
Such sad news. I shall remember him for leading so many fine performances at English National Opera, Welsh National Opera, Wexford, Buxton, the Royal Festival Hall and, early in his career, with Nonsuch Opera at Epsom. Meeting him at Buxton, he was not only interesting but such a genuinely nice person. The world of opera was all the better for his presence.
I was sad to learn that Mr Greenwood passed away. As I was vise director of İstanbul State Symphony Orchester we worked together and realised many successfully concert. He was not only a good orchestra chief, a good musician, but also a very gentleman, a good person. He will be missed by all of us.
I’d like to extend my sympathy to his family, beloveds and to all over the music world.
So very sad to read of this – and a little lost for words to do Andrew’s loss justice. He was a rare gentleman in the music world. A true professional, he always knew the music so well and helped any orchestra to play at their best. When extremely short of rehearsal time for a big, difficult programme, he always knew exactly what he had to fix, and what could be ‘topped and tailed’.
He will be sorely missed by the many who truly valued his character, his kindness and his musicianship.
I feel humbled to have known this special man. However unlike the many musical scholars who have such wonderful experiences to have shared, I’m simply a neighbour who feels blessed to have sat through many ethereal concerts / Christmas gatherings in our beautiful little church here in Monmouthshire. I can close my eyes and open my ears to recall so many beautiful choral pieces, lead by this wonderful man. Andrew, you are already so missed.
I was a music student at Cambridge with Andrew and our paths have crossed professionally much more recently – always such a pleasure to work with him and so sad that he has died when he had so much more to give the music world.
Andrew was a dear friend who was assistant chorus master of the Philharmonia Chorus for many years, which is how I first knew him. We shared so many amazing memories – Aida and La Gioconda (with Caballe!) in Orange stands out – but he was such a fine musician and great companion. He will be very much missed.