Alex Lindsay

New Zealander classical violinist, conductor, and teacher. Born 28 May 1919 in Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand - Died 5 December 1974 at Okiwi Bay, Rai Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand. He left New Zealand in 1937 to study at the Royal College of Music, London. In 1941, he joined the London Philharmonic Orchestra as a member of the second violin section. After nearly three years in the orchestra, he was drafted for war service in the Royal Navy and in October 1945 he transferred to the Royal New Zealand Navy. Shortly before being discharged he auditioned in Wellington on 26 July 1946 to become a founder member of the new National Orchestra. He quickly rose to Sub-Leader. He resigned after a year to devote himself to teaching and to conducting his own ensemble, The Alex Lindsay String Orchestra, which he founded in 1948. In 1956, he rejoined the National Orchestra as Leader of the second violins. In 1963, he returned to Europe freelancing with London orchestras. He became Principal Second Violin in the London Philharmonic Orchestra and then in the London Symphony Orchestra (1964-1966). In 1967, he was appointed Leader of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra; within two years, his position was upgraded to Concertmaster, a position he held until his sudden death in 1974. He was appointed MBE. Note that the date on his birth certificate, 28 May 1919, may be wrong, for he always celebrated his birthday on 28 April.