Oldham, Arthur (William)

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Oldham, Arthur (William)

Oldham, Arthur (William) , English pianist, chorus master, and composer; b. London, Sept. 6, 1926. He studied at the Royal Coll. of Music in London with Howells, and privately with Britten. He was music director of the Ballet Rambert, and served as chorus master of the Edinburgh Festival Chorus (1965–94) and of the Scottish Opera in Glasgow (1966–74), and was director of the London Sym. Orch. Chorus (1969–76). In 1990 he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. He wrote the ballets Mr. Punch (1946), The Sailor’s Return (1947), Circus Canteen (1951), and Bonne-Bouche (1952); also The Apotheosis of Lucius, symphonic poem (1952), The Land of Green Ginger, musical for children (1964), Hymns for the Amusement of Children for Voices and Organ (1962), and various sacred and secular choral works.

—Nicolas Slominsky/Laura Kaun/Dennis McIntire

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