Sir Philip Ledger CBE
Sir Philip Ledger was born in Bexhill, educated at King's College, Cambridge.
When appointed as Master of Music at Chelmsford Cathedral, he became the
youngest cathedral organist in the United Kingdom.
As Director and Dean of the School of Fine Arts and Music at the University
of East Anglia, he worked closely with Benjamin Britten as an Artistic Director
of the Aldeburgh Festival, before returning to King's College, Cambridge,
as Director of Music. There he conducted the Festival of Nine Lessons and
Carols which is broadcast each year on Christmas Eve. He made an extensive
range of recordings with the famous choir, and directed recitals and tours
throughout the world. He then became Principal of the Royal Scottish
Academy of Music and Drama.
From-1974 - 1982, he was Director of Music at King's College, Cambridge and
Conductor of the Cambridge University Musical Society
In 1982, he was appointed Principal of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music
and Drama. In 1994 the Academy acquired University status and in November of
that year he went to Clarence House to confer the Academy's first Doctorate - an
Honorary one - on her Majesty the Queen Mother to mark the Golden Jubilee of
Her Majesty's Patronage of the RSAMD.
Sir Philip Ledger regularly conducts the Royal Scottish National Orchestra,
English Chamber Orchestra and other leading Orchestras and has recorded with
Dame Janet Baker, Paul Tortelier, Robert Tear and Benjamin Britten. In addition
to his academic work and conducting, he still performs regularly as a
harpsichordist, pianist and organist.
Since 1992 he has been President of Cumbria Rural Choirs and has been Guest
Conductor on a number of occasions.
He works closely with Chorus master Ian Hare in the months preceding each
Spring Concert.
He describes Cumbria Rural Choirs as a unique part of the British Choral
tradition, and is committed to continued involvement with the choir.