Composer
Born in London to a musical family, David Bedford began composing at the age of 7. He studied with composer Lennox Berkeley at the Royal Academy of Music from 1958-61, and spent the next the next two years in Italy studying with composer Luigi Nono and at RAI Electronic Music Studio.
In the late 60s David Bedford produced the score for the theatrical work entitled 'From Marie Antoinette to the Beatles' and this led to his being associated with various pop and rock genres in the late 60s and 70s. He became involved (as keyboardist, arranger, and conductor) with such popular and progressive music as Kevin Ayers and the Whole World, Roy Harper, Edgar Broughton, Lol Coxhill, Carnel, and most famously, Mike Oldfield.
His collaborations with Oldfield in the 70s greatly broadened his fan base throughout the progressive music world. Their creative relationship proved to be one of those rare symbioses where each artist influenced, and was influenced by, the other - the sensitive pop/rock/guitarist/composer, plus the formally-trained composer. Their output from this period, both collaborative and solo, still represents some of the progressive music's finest and most influential recordings.
In addition to the artists mentioned above, David has worked as arranger and/or conductor for such artists as Elvis Costello, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Propaganda, China Crisis, Enya, Billy Bragg, A-ha, the Jesus and Mary Chain, and Madness.
David has always been involved with youth music education and interactive music. He was appointed Youth Music Director of the English Sinfonia in 1986 and Composer-in-Association in 1994. His many contributions to youth music range from small pieces for very young pupils to seven school operas. He is frequently involved with student creative workshops and composition projects in UK and elsewhere.
David's previous postions include:
He remains an active member of the Board of Trustees for the PRS Foundation. For more information, please visit www.impulse-music.co.uk/bedford.htm