Hill, Thomas Henry Weist

1828-1891

Was born in London in 1828; he studied violin in the Royal Academy of Music under Sainton. His first appearance was at an Academy concert in 1847. He later toured America and then Europe. He was a member of Costa's band in 1849, director of the ballet music at Drury Lane, conductor at the Alexandra Palace in 1875-1876, conductor of English Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre, and then of Madame Viard-Louis' Orchestral concerts from 1878 to 1879. Hill introduced important musical compositions both in Europe and America. He brought out Goetz's symphony, Cherubini's Ali Baba Ballet, Berlioz's selections, Svendsen's first symphony, and Bizet's Roma. In 1880 he was appointed principal of the Guildhall School, where he was very successful as a teacher, and raised a new school to a high standard. He died in London in 1891.