Born in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, the fourth and youngest son of Russian and South Shields Jewish parents, Wilfred Josephs had his first musical studies in Newcastle with Arthur Milner, and showed early promise, but was persuaded by his parents to take up a "sensible" career.
Rutherford College Boys’ School, Newcastle upon Tyne, University of Durham at Newcastle, Guildhall School of Music and studied composition in Paris with Max Deutsch as Leverhulme Scholar.
Swallows and Amazons, All Creatures Great and Small, The Uncanny, This is Callan, Martin’s Day, Mata Hari, Pope John Paul II; also a television opera, The Appointment, stage operas Rebecca, Pathelin. children's operas, Alice in Wonderland, Through the Looking Glass and children's musical, King of the Coast (Guardian/Arts CouncilThe Requiem was performed by Nino Sanzogno in Milan, Maurice Handford for the British Broadcasting Corporation, Max Rudolf in Cincinnati, and Giulini in Chicago. A recording was made by David Measham for Unicorn Kanchana. Josephs was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Music of Newcastle University in 1978.
Performing Rights Society. Incorporated. Society of Musicians, Composers’ Guild of B. and other organizations.
Married Valerie Wisbey in 1956.
