Among the most important British conductors of the 20th century, Henry Wood had his early experience with touring opera companies. He became permanent conductor of the London Promenade Concerts at their foundation in 1895, holding this position nearly to the end of his life. He was knighted in 1911.

Orchestral Arrangements

Wood is remembered annually at the Promenade Concerts, where his Fantasia on British Sea Songs is performed on the last night, an essential part of the programme. He had early success, under the name Paul Klenovsky, with his arrangement of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor.