John Marson

British classical harpist. Born 19 September 1932 in Derby, Derbyshire, England, UK - Died 4 February 2007. He studied at the Royal College of Music, London. In 1958, while still a student, began his professional career with the Carl Rosa Opera Company. A week after leaving college he joined the London Symphony Orchestra as Principal Harp for two years, before embarking on two decades of freelance work, during which he played solos, chamber music and concerti, worked with all the London orchestras and spent much time in recording studios. He played in many outstanding feature films including the original 'Star Wars'. In 1982 he was appointed Principal Harp of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and subsequently resumed his freelance career.