Felix Kok, the violinist who led the City of Birmingham Symphony
Orchestra from 1965 and through the Simon Rattle years, retiring in
1988, died in London on 11 August.
An article in The Strad from August 1960 said of Kok:
'The leader of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra since the
beginning of June this year is that gifted young South African,
Felix Kok. Briefly, of Dutch-Huguenot extraction he came to England
in 1938, won a scholarship to the RAM where he studied with Rowsby
Woof and carried off the current prizes. From 1939-1945 he played
second fiddle in the Blech Quartet and was associated successively
with the Boyd Neel and Philharmonia Orchestras. As a comparative
newcomer, it is difficult to assess his standing with the orchestra
but he is undoubtedly the kind of leader that musicians and public
welcome. Relaxed, frank, likably modest and good-looking, with the
discreet confidence of a man on top of his job, he discharges his
office with ease and authority.'
- News
- For Subscribers
- Student Hub
- Playing Hub
- Podcast
- Lutherie
- Magazine
- Magazine archive
- Whether you're a player, maker, teacher or enthusiast, you'll find ideas and inspiration from leading artists, teachers and luthiers in our archive which features every issue published since January 2010 - available exclusively to subscribers. View the archive.
- Jobs
- Shop
- Directory
- Contact us
- Subscribe
- Competitions
- Reviews
- Debate
- Artists
- Accessories
No comments yet