Petition Launched in Honor of Black Violinist George Bridgetower

A petition started by the World Heritage Enhancement Committee, along with the Bath and NE Somerset Council, is hoping to create a Heritage Plaque for Black composer and violinist George Bridgetower

There are over 60 plaques dedicated to individuals who visited and made an impact on Bath, a city in the United Kingdom, in the 18th and 19th centuries. Of these plaques, only one of them has been dedicated to a Black person.

Bridgetower, a Black individual of Barbadian, Polish, and German descent, was a pupil of Joseph Haydn.

When he was just 11 years old, he performed a concert for George III at the Bath Assembly Rooms. This performance launched his career, and he was taken under protection by the Prince of Wales, performing and traveling throughout Europe until his thirties.

During his travels around Europe, Beethoven became aware of Bridgetower. The two performed together often and Beethoven thought highly of him — and was particularly influenced by Bridgetower's interpretation of the 9th Violin Sonata, often called the Kreutzer Sonata.

The purpose of this petition is to give honor to those of varying cultural and racial backgrounds who have made a significant impact on the city of Bath, starting with George Bridgetower.

To sign this petition, visit this link: https://bit.ly/39MPDdM