British violinist and concertmaster Raymond Cohen dies aged 91

British violinist Raymond Cohen, the last leader of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to be appointed by Thomas Beecham, has died aged 91. Cohen won a scholarship at 14 to study at the Royal Manchester College of Music, and at 15 began playing with the Hallé Orchestra as its youngest ever member.

Among the early highlights of Cohen's solo career were performing three concertos in one night with the Hallé, and winning the first Carl Flesch Violin Competition in 1945. He went on to combine work as a concertmaster with a career as a soloist and chamber musician, performing with his wife, pianist Anthya Rael. He led the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra from 1959 to 1965 and taught at the Royal College of Music.