Hugh Maguire

Irish violinist, leader, concertmaster, and conductor. Born 2 August 1926 in Dublin, Ireland – Died 14 June 2013 in Peasenhall, Suffolk, England, UK. Graduated from the Royal Academy of Music. In January 1949, he was in the first violin section of the London Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1952 he was appointed leader of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, after which he had a short period as sub-leader of the BBC Symphony Orchestra. In 1956, he became leader of the London Symphony Orchestra until 1961. In 1962, he left the LSO to become principal of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and held the post until 1967. He helped to found The Academy Of St. Martin-in-the-Fields with Neville Marriner in 1959. During the 1960s he led the Cremona String Quartet. Hugh Maguire helped found the National Youth Orchestra Of Ireland in 1970, which he continued to conduct until 1990. In 1974 he relaunched the Melos Ensemble Of London. Member and leader of The Allegri String Quartet from 1968-1976. From 1983 to 1991, he was leader of the Orchestra Of The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Professor at the Royal Academy of Music, and violin tutor to the National Youth Orchestra Of Great Britain.