Harold David Rosenthal OBE was an English music critic, writer, lecturer, and broadcaster about opera.
12 Facts About Harold Rosenthal
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Harold Rosenthal was a continual campaigner on behalf of opera, and was a strong opponent of its elitist image and inflated seat prices.
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Harold Rosenthal was born in West Norwood, London, the son of Israel Victor Harold Rosenthal, a schoolmaster, and his wife, Leah nee Samuel.
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Harold Rosenthal was educated at the City of London School and University College, London, where he took his BA in 1940, continuing with post-graduate studies at the London Institute of Education.
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Harold Rosenthal became increasingly interested in music, appearing frequently as a critic and lecturer, particularly on opera.
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In 1950 Harewood founded the magazine Opera and invited Harold Rosenthal to join him as assistant editor.
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Harold Rosenthal resigned from his teaching post and devoted himself to music for the rest of his life.
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When Harewood left to take up work in opera administration, Harold Rosenthal succeeded him as editor, holding the post from 1953 until 1986.
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Harold Rosenthal was a member of the British Arts Council Patrons of Music Fund and chairman of the music section of the Critics' Circle of Great Britain.
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Harold Rosenthal played an administrative role in international festivals, notably Edinburgh.
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Harold Rosenthal was made a cavaliere ufficiale of the Order of Merit of the republic of Italy in 1977, and was awarded the British OBE in 1983.
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Harold Rosenthal received an Honorary Doctorate from Heriot-Watt University in 1985.