Gareth Morris 1920-2007

Born in Clevedon, Somerset, Gareth Morris studied at the Royal Academy of Music with Robert Murchie. His début as soloist came in 1939 at the Wigmore Hall. He was appointed flute professor at the Royal Academy in 1945, becoming a very influential teacher, and principal flute with the London Philharmonic Orchestra c.1943. He was also principal flute with the Philharmonia Orchestra 1948-1972 and from 1969 he was chairman of the New Philharmonia Orchestra. He gave the first performance in England of Poulenc’s flute sonata with the composer at the piano. A number of new works were dedicated to him, Gordon Jacob’s flute concerto and Rawsthorne’s concerto for flute and horn amongst them.

He was a very expressive player but never overused vibrato. He played a cocuswood flute made by Rudall Carte with a thinned head and an open G#. The instrument once belonged to his teacher, Robert Murchie.

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