MARRINER, NEVILLE

born April 15, 1924, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, Eng. British violinist, teacher, and conductor who in 1959 organized the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, a London chamber ensemble that won popular and critical acclaim. Marriner graduated from the Royal College of Music in London in 1944 and went on to study for five years with Ren Benedetti at the Paris Conservatory. His early career was as a violinist. He played with a number of small ensembles, including the Jacobean Ensemble, where he played with Thurston Dart, the early-music specialist. Marriner also played in the London Philharmonia (195256) and the London Symphony Orchestra (195668). He taught violin at the Royal College of Music from 1949 to 1959. Encouraged by Pierre Monteux, Marriner turned to conducting, specializing in Baroque music. After 10 successful years spent organizing, building, and recording extensively with the Academy, he went on to direct major symphony orchestras throughout the world. In 1969 he became music director and conductor of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. In 1978 he was named music director and conductor of the Minnesota Symphony beginning with the 197980 season. In the late 1970s Marriner expanded his repertoire to include opera.