The British Musical Biography

[E] Betjemann, Gilbert Henry, violinist
and conductor, hern in London. Pupil of 0.
W. Doyle. In 1858 was engaged by Costa as
a second violin at the Royal Italian Opera, and
later played in the orchestra of the Pyne and
Harrison Company. For some years connected
with the Carl Rosa Opera Company as violin-
ist, conductor, and director of the mise-en-
scene. Conducted performances of Royal
English Opera Company at Covent Garden
Theatre, January, 1884, and Italian Opera at
Her Majesty's Theatre in November. Gave
Chamber Concerts at Highgate, 1884-5 ; suc-
ceeded Dr. J. F. Bridge as Conductor of the
Highbury Philharmonic Society in 1886 ; and
about two years later was chosen as director
of the operatic class at the R.A.M. In 1893
he was joint conductor and principal violin
at the Promenade Concerts, Covent Garden ;
in 1895 he succeeded the late J. T. Carrodus
as principal first violin at Covent Garden
Opera ; and in 1896 accepted conductorship of
the Oxford Orchestral Society. Hon. R.A.M. ;

[+] Associate of the Philharmonic Society, and
musician in ordinary to Her Majesty. His
son, Gilbert Richard, A.R.A.M., born in
London, 1864, was a violinist and composer,
and member of the Royal Italian Opera orch-
estra. His " Song of the Western Men," for
chorus and orchestra, was produced by the
Highbury Philharmonic, March, 1890. He
has also written some songs and pieces for
violin. He was killed while descending the
Wetterhorn, September 9, 1896, by falling
through a snow bridge.

entry id: 44-R-41