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Henri VerbrugghenBelgian violinist, conductor and music teacher
Date of Birth: 01.08.1873
Country:  Belgium |
Content:
- Eugène Aynsley Goossens
- Career in Scotland
- Success in London
- Founding the New South Wales Conservatory
- Financial Struggles and Resignation
- Success in Minneapolis
- Final Years
Eugène Aynsley Goossens
Early Life and EducationEugène Aynsley Goossens, a renowned Belgian violinist, conductor, and music educator, was born in Brussels and studied violin at the Brussels Conservatory under Eugène Ysaÿe and Jenő Hubay.
Career in Scotland
In 1893, Goossens settled in Scotland and performed intermittently with the Scottish Orchestra. In 1902, he became the leader and assistant conductor of the orchestra. During this time, he also taught violin at the Athenaeum in Glasgow.
Success in London
In 1911, Goossens became the conductor of the Glasgow Choral Union. In 1914, he conducted at the Beethoven Festival in London, receiving critical acclaim. This success led to an invitation to lead the newly established New South Wales Conservatory of Music.
Founding the New South Wales Conservatory
In 1916, Goossens arrived in Sydney and played a vital role in developing the conservatory from scratch, adhering to European teaching principles. He also established an orchestra and a string quartet under the conservatory's auspices.
Financial Struggles and Resignation
Despite his efforts, the New South Wales government withheld financial support. In 1921, the orchestra was disbanded, and Goossens resigned and left Australia.
Success in Minneapolis
In 1922, Goossens guest conducted the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra and achieved such success that he was invited to become its music director. He led the orchestra until 1931 when he suffered a heart attack during a rehearsal, from which he never fully recovered.
Final Years
In his later years, Goossens headed the music department at Carleton College in Minnesota. He passed away in 1962.
