Granville Bantock

Sir Granville Ransome Bantock, born in London, was a prominent British composer whose early interests deviated from his parents' wishes for him to join the Indian Civil Service. Despite poor health, Bantock's engagement in chemical engineering led to his passion for music at South Kensington Museum Library. His initial musical instruction came from Gordon Saunders at Trinity College of Music; later, he won the Macfarren Prize at the Royal Academy of Music studying under Frederick Corder. His career included global conducting tours, compositions, founding a music magazine, and championing notable composers at New Brighton Tower concerts. Knighted in 1930, he taught many students, becoming Peyton Professor of Music at the University of Birmingham (1908-1934), succeeding Elgar, and later chaired the Corporation at Trinity College of Music.