The musician was principal cello of the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Academy of St Martin in the Fields

Scarlatti_Academy

British cellist Denis Vigay died on 27 June at the age of 89. Born in Brixton, London in 1926, Vigay studied at the Royal Academy of Music on a scholarship with Cedric Sharpe.

Upon completing his studies he was appointed principal cello of the Sadler's Wells Opera Orchestra, and in 1956 became principal cello of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

He was later appointed principal cello of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, performing under Pierre Boulez, and following this was principal cello of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields under Sir Neville Marriner.

His playing is featured on a number of Academy of St Martin albums, and on film and popular recordings, including and The Beatles’ Sgt Pepper 's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Vigay also taught at the Royal Academy of Music and tutored cellists at the National Youth Strings Academy.

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