Havelock Nelson Manuscripts (MS
MS 51 Havelock Nelson Manuscripts About the Collection The personal papers of John Havelock Nelson (1917-96), bacteriologist, composer, arranger, conductor and promoter of opera ** Nelson started his studies in earnest with a scholarship to the RIAM where he studied piano, viola, double bass and organ. Following this he entered Trinity to study Natural Science, changing to medical science with specialization in bacteriology and serology. Graduating with a doctorate in medical science, he simultaneously achieving a bachelor degree in music (!). He later completed a doctorate in music, also from Trinity. Havelock Nelson joined the medical staff of the RAF in 1943. After the war he chose music over a scientific career when he joined the BBC in 1947 as a staff accompanist: in this role he took part in any and all musical output of BBC Northern Ireland, accompanying recitals and concerts, providing background and incidental music for example. As nearly all of the station’s output was live at the time, his work and voice became very well known to the people of Northern Ireland. He encouraged budding musicians to come in for auditions and performances, and had a hand in the careers of Joan Trimble, James Galway and others. Alongside, and after, his work with the BBC he was instrumental in the foundation and success of such organizations as the Studio Symphony Orchestra, the Ulster Singers, the Studio Opera Group, the Trinidad and Tobago Opera Company, as well as adjudicating festivals across Ireland, the U.K., Canada and the West Indies. The Havelock Nelson Manuscripts in Queen’s contains many manuscripts, original scores, documents and transcriptions by Havelock Nelson.
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