18 Facts About Malcolm Williamson

Malcolm Williamson was the Master of the Queen's Music from 1975 until his death.

Malcolm Williamson was born in Sydney in 1931; his father was an Anglican priest, Rev George Malcolm Williamson.

Malcolm Williamson studied composition and horn at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

Malcolm Williamson was a prolific composer at this time, receiving many commissions and often performing his own works, both on organ and piano.

Malcolm Williamson wrote a number of pieces connected to his royal post, including Mass of Christ the King and Lament in Memory of Lord Mountbatten of Burma.

Malcolm Williamson became less prolific in "Royal" works during the last twenty years or so of his life, although he never completely ceased to take interest in writing music for the Royal Family.

Malcolm Williamson died in 2003 in a hospital in Cambridge.

Malcolm Williamson was widely reported to have been an alcoholic.

Malcolm Williamson married an American, Dolores "Dolly" Daniel, in 1960 and they had one son and two daughters.

Malcolm Williamson had a series of strokes that left him needing a wheelchair, and he spent his final months in hospital.

Malcolm Williamson's funeral was not attended by any representatives of the Royal Family.

Malcolm Williamson discovered Messiaen's music shortly before converting to Roman Catholicism in 1952.

Malcolm Williamson was influenced by Benjamin Britten, as well as by jazz and popular music.

Malcolm Williamson wrote seven symphonies; four numbered piano concertos, concertos for violin, organ, harp and saxophone; and many other orchestral works.

Malcolm Williamson wrote ballets, including Sun into Darkness and The Display, many effective choral works, chamber music, music for solo piano, and music for film and television including the prologue and main title of Watership Down.

Malcolm Williamson became generally much less prolific in later life, although he had some very busy years.

Malcolm Williamson was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1976, and an honorary Officer of the Order of Australia in 1987.

Malcolm Williamson was the first Master of the Queen's Music in over a century not to be knighted.