Haydn Beck

New Zealander violinist and conductor. Born 16 March 1899 in Whanganui (or Wanganui), New Zealand - Died 17 April 1983 in Porto, Portugal. A child prodigy who gave many concerts in New Zealand 1907-1909. Studied in Brussels 1912-1914 at Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel/Conservatoire Royal De Bruxelles. Came to Australia in 1920 and became a member of the N. S. W. State Conservatorium Of Music Opera School Singers, later becoming deputy leader in 1922. Moved to JCW Productions and worked at the Brisbane Wintergarden Theatre 1924-1929. Joined the A.B.C. as a soloist, and later orchestra leader for The Australian tour of the Russian Ballet 1939-40. In 1938 became principal in The Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Various teaching positions 1940-1945. Orchestra leader for Colgate-Palmolive shows 1945-1947. First conductor of the Civic Symphony Orchestra in Sydney 1947-1952. Joined the London Philarmonic Orchestra and the Philharmonia Orchestra and, in 1949, became principal of the Hallé Orchestra. In 1956, he became principal with the London Symphony Orchestra and later went to Portugal, in the late 1950s. Leader of the Monte Carlo Opera House Orchestra string section during the 1960s.