Conductor and Pianist Steuart Bedford has Died, Aged 81

He is known for conducting the world premiere and first recording of Benjamin Britten’s final opera, Death in Venice

A graduate of Oxford University and the Royal Academy of Music, he made his conducting debut with the Oxford Chamber Orchestra.

Bedford was on the staff at the Glyndebourne Opera House, a professor at the Royal Academy of Music, and artistic director of the Aldeburgh Festival.

He conducted the English Opera Group, Welsh National Opera, Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, Royal Danish Opera, Covent Garden, Santa Fe Opera, Opera Theatre St Louis, and Teatro Colón.

Our condolences to Mr. Bedford's family, friends, colleagues, and students.