22 Facts About Harry Danks

Harry Danks, was a British violist and principal viola of the BBC Symphony Orchestra from 1946 to 1978.

Harry Danks was the founder and director of the London Consort of Viols.

Harry Danks was born in Pensnett near Bridgnorth in Worcestershire, England, on 18 May 1912, the eldest of three sons born to Samuel Henry and Elizabeth Icke.

Harry Danks became a violist in the orchestra in 1935, and began having lessons with Lionel Tertis.

In 1936, Harry Danks married Leonora Shrimpton, a pianist he met when they were playing in a cinema orchestra.

Harry Danks had a brief period with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra before being offered a position with the BBC Symphony Orchestra in 1937.

Harry Danks played with the BBCSO until his retirement in September 1978.

When war broke out Harry Danks joined the Royal Regiment of Artillery and was stationed in Herefordshire, attaining the rank of Sergeant.

Harry Danks became leader of the Western Command Symphony Orchestra and played the Mendelssohn and Bruch Violin Concertos in Chester Cathedral.

Once the war had ended, Harry Danks returned to London in 1946 and was offered the principal viola position with the BBCSO, under Sir Adrian Boult.

Harry Danks gave many first performances including the Sonata da Chiesa for viola and organ by Frank Martin in May 1954 at All Souls Church in Langham Place with the organist James Lockhart.

Harry Danks was a soloist at several BBC Henry Wood Promenade Concerts.

Harry Danks performed Don Quixote in September 1962 with the cellist Janos Starker, with a further performance at the 1964 Proms with Mstislav Rostropovich which was recorded and released on the BBC Legends Label.

Harry Danks was the founder and director of the London Consort of Viols which played and broadcast regularly from 1949 to 1965.

Harry Danks published two editions of his book, The Viola D'Amore, in 1976 and an enlarged edition in 1979.

Harry Danks was Professor of Viola at the Guildhall School of music from 1978 to 1981.

Harry Danks's daughter Ysobel was a violinist in the BBCSO and was married to the cellist Alexander Kok.

Harry Danks's son Eugene was a violinist and conductor, once conducting Harry Danks in a performance of Harold in Italy.

Two years after the death of Lionel Tertis, Harry Danks was asked by Lionel Tertis's widow, Lillian Tertis to form a committee to organize a competition and festival in Tertis's memory.

Harry Danks sat on the judging panel of the competition in 1980,1988 and 1991.

Harry Danks played on a viola made by Amati of Cremona in 1615, known as the 'Stauffer'.

Harry Danks played on a 1750 Eberle viola d'Amore once owned by Louis van Waefelghem.