Nigel James Brooks BEM (24 December 1926 – 2 March 2024) was an English composer, arranger and conductor.
Biography
Nigel James Brooks was born in Barnstaple on 24 December 1926. He spent most of his childhood in Ilfracombe, North Devon. [1] He attended Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. For much of his career he was an orchestral arranger, particularly for the BBC and also conducted the BBC Concert Orchestra. [2] He formed his own musical ensemble "The Nigel Brooks Singers" which appeared on Friday Night is Music Night and earned three gold discs, and two silver. [3]
Brooks wrote three ballets for Sadler's Wells (Barnstaple Fair, Seven Cameos for Combe and The Water Babies), and an opera based on Daphne du Maurier's novel Jamaica Inn. He was married to Jean, whose death was commemorated by his adagio for strings To My Love. [1]
As part of the 2022 Birthday Honours, Brooks was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to musical theatre and the music industry. [4]
Brooks died at his home in Barnstaple, on 2 March 2024, at the age of 97. [5]
References
- ^ a b English Music for Strings, Chamber Ensemble of London, Campion Cameo LC03062 (2006)
- ^ Young performers join West End stars, North Devon Journal
- ^ Profile Archived 5 October 2011 at the Wayback Machine, Rotary Club of Barnstaple
- ^ "No. 63714". The London Gazette (Supplement). 1 June 2022. p. B29.
- ^ Nigel James B.E.M. Brooks
External Links
- Nigel Brooks at IMDb
- Nigel Brooks discography at Discogs
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