Sir Thomas Beecham, 2nd Baronet,
CH (29 April 18798 March 1961) was an English conductor and
impresario best known for his association with the
London Philharmonic and the
Royal Philharmonic orchestras. He was also closely associated with the
Liverpool Philharmonic and
Hallé orchestras. From the early 20th century until his death, Beecham was a major influence on the musical life of Britain and, according to the
BBC, was Britain's first international conductor.