Charles Lucas (musician)
Charles Lucas (July 28, 1808 – March 23, 1869) was an English cellist, conductor, composer, publisher and from 1859 to 1866 third Principal of the Royal Academy of Music.
Biography
Lucas was born in Salisbury where he received his first musical education as a chorister at the Cathedral. He then attended the newly formed Royal Academy of Music in London where he studied under the celebrated cellist Robert Lindley. In 1830 he was appointed Composer and Violoncellist to Queen Adelaide, and became the Organist of St. George's Chapel. In 1832 he was appointed Orchestra Conductor at the Royal Academy of Music, and in 1859 succeeded Cipriani Potter as its Principal. He succeeded his teacher Lindley as first Violoncellist in the Italian Opera.
As Principal of the Academy he was succeeded by William Sterndale Bennett with whom he had a close association at the Philharmonic Society
Lucas's third daughter, Zoe, married the Cornish writer Walter Hawken Tregellas. Lucas died in Battersea, London.
Sources
- New General Catalog of Old Books and Authors
- Sadie, S. (ed.) (1980) The New Grove Dictionary of Music & Musicians, [vol. # 11].