Braithwaite, Warwick (1896-1971), was a New Zealand-born conductor especially known for his work in opera. From 1932 to 1940, Braithwaite was conductor of the Vic-Wells (later the Sadler’s Wells) Opera Company. He led the Scottish Orchestra from 1940 to 1946, when he became a conductor of ballet at Covent Garden in London. He conducted opera at Covent Garden from 1950 to 1953. Braithwaite returned to New Zealand in 1953 and 1954 to conduct the National Orchestra. He was artistic director of the National Opera of Australia in 1954 and 1955. He conducted the Welsh National Opera from 1956 to 1960, when he returned to Sadler’s Wells. Braithwaite retired in 1968.
Henry Warwick Braithwaite was born on Jan. 9, 1896, in Dunedin. He was educated there and at the Royal Academy of Music in London from 1916 to 1919. He wrote The Conductor’s Art (1952). Braithwaite died on Jan. 18, 1971.
