BACKGROUND TO…

Frederic Hymen Cowen

(1852-1935)

Born in Jamaica, Cowen (originally Cohen) moved to England when he was four years old. Two years later he was a published composer, and by the time he was eight he had written his first operetta, Garibaldi. He went on to compose symphonies, chamber works, cantatas and opera. He held conducting tenures with the Hallé (until ousted by Hans Richter), the Scottish Orchestra and London’s Philharmonic Society orchestras, but was sacked from the latter for apologising for the quality of a performance before it had taken place.