Background
Born in Winchester, England, the son of mountaineer and author R. L. G. Irving, he was educated at Winchester College and New College, Oxford, graduating with a degree in music
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Robert Augustine Irving
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Scholar, Winchester (England) College, 1926-1932; scholar, Royal College Music, 1934-1936; Bachelor of Arts (scholar), New College, Oxford (England) University, 1935.
Career
He then became assistant conductor with the British Broadcasting Corporation Scottish Symphony Orchestra, and was conductor and musical director of Sadler"s Wells Ballet from 1949 to 1958, working closely with Sir Frederick Ashton on several ballets. From 1958 to 1989, he served as music director of the New York City Ballet, where he worked extensively with choreographer George Balanchine. Foreign many years he conducted the New York City Ballet"s annual production of The Nutcracker, a task he repeated in the 1958 United States telecast of the ballet.
His many recordings include:
an early pressing of Dohnányi"s Suite in F-sharp minor
the five-movement suite from Ashton and Lambert"s ballet Horoscope (1953).
He died in his birthplace in 1991, aged 78. A small memorial plaque to him may be found on the north-east wall of Winchester College chapel cloisters.
Achievements
Membership
Served with Royal Artillery, 1940-1941. Served with Royal Air Force, 1941-1945.
Connections
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Born
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Died
September 13, 1991 (aged 78) -
Nationality
United Kingdom
Education
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1935
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1926 - 1932
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1934 - 1936
Career
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1936 - 1940
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1945 - 1948
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1949 - 1958
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1958 - 1989