'Eric Fenby's Blue Plaque' - Talk to 'Scarborough Civic Society', Sept 24.

Work is in progress to dedicate a Civic Society Blue Plaque to honour one Scarborough's famous sons for his services to music and the composer Frederick Delius. The talk (recorded live) was given to the Scarborough Civic Society on Saturday 14th September 2024, at former 'other' home of the famous Sitwell family 'Woodend', The Crescent, Scarborough. The slides that unfortunately could not be shown to accompany the talk on the day are presented here with several stills from the Ken Russell film about Delius entitled 'A Song of Summer'. Eric William Fenby OBE (22 April 1906 – 18 February 1997) was an English composer, conductor, pianist, organist and teacher who is best known for being Frederick Delius's amanuensis from 1928 to 1934. He helped Delius realise a number of works that would not otherwise have been forthcoming. Fenby was born in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, and as a youth took lessons in the piano, organ and cello. At the age of 12 he was appointed organist at Holy Trinity Church. As a composer he was largely self-taught. By 1925 he had conducted a work for string orchestra at the Spa Grand Hall in Scarborough and had written some minor pieces. Thanks to the Civic Society for supporting this revered tribute to the Modest Music Teacher who went on to establish a unique place in the history of music. His dedication to the composer Frederick Delius, enabled the creation some of the finest music which would otherwise have simply not existed. Audio track recorded live 14th September 24. Scarborough Civic Society. Apologies for any copyright issues, this video is not made or uploaded for any financial or any personal gain.