Barbirolli, << `bahr` buh ROH lee, >> Sir John (1899-1970), was a British symphony and opera conductor. He became famous for the craftsmanship and vigor of his performances and for his command of the melodic component in a work.
Barbirolli was born on Dec. 2, 1899, in London. He made his debut at the age of 11 as a cellist. When Barbirolli was in his 20’s, his interests shifted from performing to conducting. He founded his own chamber orchestra in 1925. Barbirolli conducted operas at Covent Garden in London from 1927 to 1933. From 1933 to 1936, he served as conductor of the Scottish Orchestra in Glasgow. Barbirolli conducted the New York Philharmonic Orchestra from 1937 to 1942 and the Houston Symphony from 1961 to 1967. He was knighted in 1949. He died on July 29, 1970.
