Death of a distinguished Irish conductor
RIPWe are informed of the death from pneumonia of Kenneth Montgomery, an outstanding Irish conductor with an international career.
He was in his 80th year.
A student of Sir Adrian Boult, Kenneth became music director of the Bournemouth Sinfonietta in 1973 and of Glyndebourne Touring Opera two years later. In 2006 he was named principal conductor of the Ulster Orchestra.
In the Netherlands, where he made his home, he was principal conductor of the Dutch Radio Symphony Orchestra from 1975 and from 1985 with its successor, the Netherlands Radio Symphony. He was director of opera studies at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague and flew out as annual guest conductor to the Santa Fe Opera in the US.
He is survived by his husband, Jan van Dooren.
Ah no. That’s so sad. Saw him many times with the NSO in Dublin. A great conductor. He conducted Beethoven 6 with them just last October. May he rest in peace
I remember going to the Dunfermline Festival back in 1985 (I think it was) as a student, to play in the Festival Orchestra which Kenneth conducted. He was about the same age as me, and we both went on to forge a career in music. Back then he was a real gentleman! RIP.
Very sad. What a lovely man. We shared panel at the Feis Ceoil Conducting Competition and shared many interesting musical ideas. R.I.P. Kenneth.
He was the best of us.
Ken is in fact British not Irish. Belfast born. If he was born in Ireland he would be.
He was born in Ireland.
I suggest you review the Good Friday Agreement before spewing such nonsense. Anyone born on the island of Ireland is entitled to Irish citizenship and to be referred to as Irish.
Actually, anyone born in Northern Ireland as Ken was, can identify as British, and/or Irish.
In the 1970s, Montgomery & the Bournemouth Sinfonietta made a number of recordings for EMI of (then) quite unusual repertoire, including symphonies by Arne, J. C. Bach, Boyce and Samuel Wesley.
Rest in peace Kenneth, and thank you for all the beautiful music and inspiration.
Kenneth was a wonderful conductor and and wonderful man. I worked with him several times and it was always a joy.
The shocking news is as sad can be. We’ve lost a terrific musician and a truly kind, supportive and loving man.
Love and condolences to Jan.
And his one of the first to introduce HIP to modern symphony orchestras,along with JEG,Harnoncourt and David Zinman,Fine conductor,musician,and mensch.
The world is a poorer place following the passing of NI born Kenneth Montgomery. Ken was a true mensch: hugely knowledgeable, self-deprecating, funny, kind and compassionate. He was a great inspiration to generations of young musicians and he and Jan were passionate supporters of the Ulster Orchestra through some very turbulent times.
I particularly remember his wonderful performance of Handel’s Messiah in Belfast, complete with a theorbo! At the end, Ken and many of us in the audience were reduced to tears – if only more musical performances could be so memorable and affecting! RIP Ken.
My condolences to Jan van Dooren. So sorry to hear of Kenneth. He will be missed. His performances with the Canadian Opera Company were highlights of their seasons, the same for the Santa Fe Opera and LaScala.
An extraordinary man and friend to so many. The outpouring of sadness from many opera and symphonic organizations as well as individuals is telling of his generous spirit and loving nature. So far no announcement or acknowledgement from the Santa Fe Opera where he had an enormous influence. Wonderful teacher and encouraging mentor. Heartfelt support to Jan in his loss.
That’s not true. The Santa Fe Opera have posted about his death and also the passing of the mezzo Helen Vanni.
Ken was someone who brought so much joy when he conducted the Bournemouth Sinfonietta, which as a member of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra I had the pleasure of playing with. Much sympathy to Jan whose life must have been so enriched by Ken, never a headline seeker, and Ken’s life similarly enriched by Jan. This is a great loss for music in the The Netherlands.
So sad to hear the news of Kenneth’s death RIP..He made a memorable contribution to the Irish music scene, both North and South..