Dick Blackford(b.1936)

Dick Blackford was born in Bristol in 1936, moved to Middlesborough and was educated at Aclam Hall Grammar School. After studying music at Manchester University he taught for 36 years before retiring in 1995 from York Sixth Form College. He now devotes his time to composition, receiving many commissions for his music. Dick is a prolific composer and has been so since before his teaching days. His works spread across all forms of music including choral, orchestral and instrumental music. He has always responded to the English pastoral tradition and this influence is evident in much of his music. For orchestra, he has had commissioned two overtures, Marinus and Scorpio, and his Serenade for Strings. Dick's portfolio also includes several concertos; for harpsichord, recorder, piano, clarinet, cello and trumpet and he also enjoys writing chamber music. He should not be confused with Richard Blackford (b.1954)!