Eugene Cruft

British classical double bass player, and Professor of Double Bass. Born 8 June 1887 in London, England, UK - Died 4 June 1976 in London, England, UK. "The leading double-bass player of his generation." Former member of the London Symphony Orchestra (1909-1912), and the Beecham Symphony Orchestra (1909-1912). Former Principal Double Bass of the BBC Symphony Orchestra (1929-1949), the Orchestra Of The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden (1949-1952), and the Bath Festival Orchestra (1959-1965). After the Second World War, he helped to form the new British Symphony Orchestra. He chaired the company running the Pro Arte Orchestra Of London (and played in it) when it was founded in 1955. Professor of Double Bass at the Royal College of Music, London (1946-1957). He was made a MVO and an OBE in 1953. Father of Adrian Cruft and grandfather of Ben Cruft.