13 Facts About Fiona Maddocks

Fiona Maddocks is a British music critic and author who specializes in classical music.

Fiona Maddocks held a central role in founding three media companies: BBC Music Magazine, Channel 4 and The Independent.

Previously arts feature writer for the Evening Standard, Fiona Maddocks has written for The Guardian and The Times.

Fiona Maddocks's publications include a survey on the Medieval composer Hildegard of Bingen, a collection of interviews with Harrison Birtwistle, an anthology of 100 pieces recommended pieces, a guide to 20th-century classical music, and a study on Sergei Rachmaninoff's life outside of his native Russia.

Fiona Maddocks was born in London, studied English literature at Cambridge University and then attended the Royal College of Music.

Fiona Maddocks stayed there until 2002, leaving due to the time commitments interfering with raising her children; she instead took a position as chief arts feature writer for the Evening Standard.

Fiona Maddocks returned to The Observer in 2010, resuming her position as chief music critic, and has remained there since.

Fiona Maddocks has been described as "one of the UK's leading writers and commentators on classical music".

Fiona Maddocks was the first music editor for The Independent, and founding editor for BBC Music Magazine, the world's largest classical music magazine.

Fiona Maddocks has written four books, the first of which was a survey on the 12th-century composer Hildegard of Bingen in 2001.

In 2016, Fiona Maddocks published anthology of 100 pieces she recommends 'to carry you through life'.

Also a violinist, Fiona Maddocks enjoys playing in chamber ensembles with friends.

Fiona Maddocks was a jury member for the 2019 International Opera Award and is a trustee for the Pimlico Opera.