john bethell

John Bethell is a Mancunian whose musical career began at the age of six when he became a member of the local church choir of Saint Clement's, Urmston where his great-grandfather had been the first organist. At the time that he joined the choir the organist was George William Hilditch, with whom he studied the piano and organ for several years.

During this time he also developed an interest in drama and became a member of the local society, some of whose shows he was later to produce. However, it was obvious that music was fast becoming his chief interest and he was appointed the organist and choirmaster at Urmston Methodist Church.

His second such post was at the church of Saint Stephen with Saint Mark, Hulme, Manchester. This appointment, which began in 1956 lasted for ten years, until the church was closed owing to the redevelopment of the area. He then accepted the appointment of organist and choirmaster at Saint Bride's, Old Trafford, a post which he relinquished in 1972.

It was in April 1957 that John Bethell joined the BBC in Manchester and in 1961 he was appointed Music Librarian, a position he held until August 1990. During these years with the BBC he travelled extensively throughout the world, particularly with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and was privileged to work with hundreds of distinguished artists and conductors.

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