The British Musical Biography

[E] Benton, Alfred, organist and conductor,
born in Leeds. Began his musical career at
the age of ten as a choir boy in Leeds Parish
Church. His first instructor on the organ
and pianoforte was Mr. Wm. Dawson, then
deputy organist of the Parish Church. After-
wards he became the pupil of R. S. Burton,
and took lessons in counterpoint from W. J.
Pritchard (a famous blind organist) and in
composition from P. W. Hird. When four-
teen years old he obtained the post of
organist at All Saints', Leeds, and subse-
quently was appointed to Windermere Parish
Church, Arthington ; St. Mark's, Manning-
ham ; St. Martin's, Potternewtown; and final-
ly, in 1891, succeeding Dr. Creser as organist
and choirmaster of Leeds Parish Church. Here
he worthily sustains the high reputation
gained for the services. In 1889 he was
appointed organist of the Leeds Festival, a
position he still retains, with that of chorus-
master, since 1895. He has introduced many
important works at the Advent and Lent
services, including the Requiem by Brahms,
Spohr's Last Judgment, and Bach's Matthew
Passion. For years past he has been noted
as a skilful conductor, societies in Barnsley,
Morley, Bramley, and other places being
under his direction. A permanent orchestra
was formed in Leeds, in 1895, and a choral
union also, the conductorship of both being
entrusted to Mr. Benton, who now occupies
a most responsible and honoured position in
Leeds. He has also a high reputation as a
teacher of singing, many of his pupils now
holding appointments in English cathedrals.

entry id: 43-L-41