Brown, Iona (1941–2004)
Brown, Iona (1941–2004)
English violinist and conductor. Born Jan 7, 1941, in Salisbury, England; died June 5, 2004, in Salisbury; dau. of musicians; sister of Timothy Brown (horn player), Ian Brown (pianist), Sally Brown Hallam (viola player); studied with Hugh Maguire in London, Remy Principe in Rome, and Henryk Szeryng in Paris; m. 2nd husband Björn Arnils (bassist).
Celebrated violinist, began career with National Youth Orchestra (1955–60); played in the Philharmonia Orchestra, London (1963–66); joined Academy of St. Martin in the Fields in London (1964), working her way up through the ranks to become a soloist, then served as music director (1974–80); performed many times at London Promenade Concerts and recorded David Blake's Violin Concerto; named artistic director of Norwegian Chamber Orchestra (1981); served as music director of Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (1987–92, 1995–97); was also guest director of City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (1985–89); because of severe arthritis in her wrists (1998), turned to full-time conducting; made many recordings. Made an Officer of the British Empire (1986).