Sidney Torch learned the rudiments of music quickly from his father, an orchestral trombonist, who used to sit next to fellow trombonist Gustav Holst in such places as the old Holborn Empire.
21 Facts About Sidney Torch
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Sidney Torch studied piano at the Blackheath Conservatoire in south east London.
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Sidney Torch thus had no choice but to play from memory; he passed with distinction.
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Sidney Torch worked as an accompanist before getting a job playing the piano with the Orchestra of the Regal Cinema, Marble Arch, London.
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Sidney Torch took over as Chief Organist at the Cinema in 1932.
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Sidney Torch then played the organ in a number of London cinemas and in 1937 he became the Chief Organist of the new Gaumont State Cinema, Kilburn.
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Sidney Torch continued to play the Wurlitzer there up until 1940, when he was drafted into the RAF and stationed near Blackpool.
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George Martin 8.
Sidney Torch thus made a new career in light orchestral music as a composer, conductor and arranger.
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Sidney Torch conducted many orchestras and bands, particularly those of the BBC.
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Sidney Torch was the man who created the BBC Light Programme show Friday Night is Music Night, which began in 1953, and continues to be broadcast to this day.
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Sidney Torch conducted the BBC Concert Orchestra for nearly every Friday Night show until his retirement in 1972.
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Sidney Torch composed many pieces for the BBC, particularly the theme tunes for radio and television shows.
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Sidney Torch made a huge number of recordings during his lifetime, some of them produced by George Martin.
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Sidney Torch had a reputation as a disciplinarian, according to the singers and musicians he conducted.
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Sidney Torch insisted upon smart attire from his musicians: he always had an extra pair of black socks or gloves kept on standby if required.
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Sidney Torch's personality was described by some of his choral singers and instrumentalists as "tyrannical"; in a 1983 he admitted to having been "cruel" when working with others.
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In 1949, Sidney Torch married Eva Elizabeth Tyson, a BBC producer.
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Sidney Torch retired from full-time conducting with the BBC in 1972 and was appointed an MBE in 1985.
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Sidney Torch appeared to lose interest in music, and gave his records away to friends.
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Sidney Torch's health was worsening, and, according to one biographer, he became "increasingly depressed".
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Sidney Torch died aged 82, with The Times commenting in their obituary that "he leaves a legacy to treasure".