Background
He was born in Calvados, France, the son of the American Charles Albert Parker, who was a grandson of American congressman and judge Isaac Parker, and the Englishwoman Elizabeth Moray.
He was born in Calvados, France, the son of the American Charles Albert Parker, who was a grandson of American congressman and judge Isaac Parker, and the Englishwoman Elizabeth Moray.
Parker wrote many plays, developing a reputation for historical works. In 1905, he staged the Sherborne Pageant, and in 1906, the Warwick Pageant, huge productions involving 800–900 participants. Their success inspired a wave of "pageantitis" in England, including several more by Parker.
The father was absent at his birth, and the attending French neighbors were so convinced the newborn would not survive that they christened the child immediately.
Parker grew up in several continental European countries—as an adult he was fluent in Italian, French, and German. He was educated at Freiburg and the Royal Academy of Music.
Parker was in the school of music at Sherborne School, Dorset, 1877-1896, including a tenure as director of music (? – 1892), and his songs, cantatas, and instrumental music were composed during this time. He was an early English supporter of Richard Wagner, eventually serving as president of the Wagner Society of London.
Because of growing deafness, Parker turned to drama.
His first play would be the vehicle for Mistress Patrick Campbell"s London stage debut in 1890. His involvement in drama prompted him to move to London in 1896.
In 1898 he was made a fellow of the Royal Academy of Music.
Parker became a British subject in 1914. Georgianna died in 1919.
Parker died in 1944.