Maurice Johnstone

Born in Manchester at the beginning of the 20th century, Maurice Johnstone was best known for his time as composer and conductor with the Hallé, and for working as a music administrator for the BBC. After studying with the Royal Manchester College of Music from 1919-1922, Maurice went on to study composition and conducting for ten months at the Royal College of Music in London. On the back of these accomplishments, and before becoming secretary for Sir Thomas Beecham, he worked in multiple shops from 1923-1932, one being Forsyths, the famous music shop in Manchester, where he was employed in the record department and as a freelance journalist. Maurice worked for the BBC for the period of 1935-1959, where he became Head of their North Region Music department in Manchester, later becoming Head of Music Programmes in London. During his career for the BBC, Maurice was also composer and conductor with the Hallé from 1949-1953, having his works conducted by Sir John Barbirolli or conducting them himself.