Victor Hely-Hutchinson -
​A Carol Symphony
for Piano Solo

Victor Hely-Hutchinson (1901-1947) was a composer, conductor, pianist and administrator. He spent much of his life working at the BBC, initially in London, fulfilling many roles in the early years of radio broadcasts and concerts. He moved to Birmingham in 1933 where he worked for the BBC and then at Birmingham University, as well as with the City of Birmingham Orchestra. In 1944 he was appointed Director of Music at the BBC, and moved back to London. He tragically died of pneumonia in 1947 at the age of 45. He composed numerous orchestral works, chamber pieces and many songs, often in a light and popular style. His most enduring piece is 'A Carol Symphony', composed in 1927. It is based on various familiar Christmas carols and is full of energy, invention, contrapuntal skill and poetic beauty. Part of the third movement was used as the theme music for the BBC adaptation of 'A Box of Delights' on radio in 1943 and television in 1984.

Available to purchase from Aria Editions here

Listen to a recording with the score here: