Walter Swanson

Walter Swanson (1903-1985) was a musician, composer and conductor.

Biography

Born in London, he came to South Africa in his early twenties on his appointment as Assistant Conductor of the Municipal Orchestra, Cape Town. He was Staff Conductor for the SABC for over ten years and his work as Musical Director includes variety shows, Opera and Symphony Concerts.

Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance

He wrote the music for a number of children's operettas including The Mill of Youth (with librettist Archibald J.A. Wilson‎‎) and Rip van Winkle (with librettist Jac J. Brits) in 1984.

Sources

The Beggar's Opera theatre programme, 1965.

Sjoerd Alkema. 2012. "Conductors of the Cape Town Municipal Orchestra, 1914-1965: a historical perspective". University of Cape Town. Unpublished PhD thesis.

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