Charles Farncombe

Charles Frederick Farncombe, born on July 29, 1919 in London, United Kingdom, was an English conductor known for his contributions to classical music. He began as a chorister at Canterbury Cathedral. Farncombe pursued a career in music, studying at the Royal School of Church Music and the Royal Academy of Music. Farncombe is particularly noted for his work with the Handel Opera Society, which he co-founded and led as musical director from 1955 until its renaming in 1977. Under his direction, several operas by George Frideric Handel received their first modern performances in the UK or worldwide. Farncombe's notable recordings include Rameau: Castor et Pollux (1994) and Händel: Rodelinda (2010). He passed away on June 30, 2006.