Sir Malcolm Arnold (21 October 1921 – 23 September 2006) was born in Northampton and studied trumpet with Ernest Hall and composition with Gordon Jacob at the Royal College of Music. Soon after graduating he became principal trumpet of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, leaving in 1948 to become a composer. His light music and hundred film scores made him one of the best-known British composers of the post-war era, but his output of nine symphonies, concertos (for guitar, cello, clarinet, harmonica and two pianos) and chamber music showed a more contemporary voice. Despite severe personal, health and financial problems he continued to compose in his later years, and reached the age of 84. He is commemorated by an annual Malcolm Arnold Festival in Northampton.
