Conductor and impresario. Born in Westfield Street, St Helens, grandson of the inventor of the eponymous digestive pills. He began his career as a conductor with the New Symphony Orchestra in 1906, and as a producer, introduced many unknown works to British audiences. He went on to conduct at Covent Garden and the Metropolitan Opera, New York. With Malcolm Sargent he founded the London Philharmonic Orchestra in 1932. Beecham established the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 1946.
A champion of the works of Delius, Sibelius and Richard Strauss, he also became famous for his outspoken views on some composers and for his concert encores which he called 'Lollipops'. Died at 21 Harley Street.
Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk
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