Festing, Michael Christian 11/29/1705 - 07/24/1752

Michael Christian Festing (1705-1752) was an English composer, born in London. His first musical training took the form of violin lessons from Richard Jones who was the leader of the Drury Lane Theatre Orchestra. Later he received more advanced tuition from the composer Francesco Geminiani (1687-1762) and became a violin virtuoso.



Festing played the violin in the King's Theatre Orchestra in the Haymarket, London in 1727 and at the York Buildings, Villiers Street near the Strand (London's first proper concert hall) in 1729. A year later his first compositions were published: Twelve Solos for a Violin and Thorough Bass op.1. It was about this time that Festing began giving violin lessons to Thomas Arne (1710-1778) and became a major influence on the young Arne's musical life.



In 1735 Festing was made Master of the King's Music.
In 1737 he was appointed director of the Italian Opera Orchestra in London. In the same year he became leader of the Philharmonic Society Orchestra, which met every Monday night in the Crown & Anchor Tavern in the City of London. He also led the Swan & Castle Tavern music group.



Beginning in 1739 and lasting until his death Festing directed the subscription concerts at Hickford's Room and later with Maurice Greene established the very successful Apollo Society at the Devil Tavern. Together with Boyce and Greene he wrote much music for these organisations.



During the summer of 1742 the grand pleasure gardens at Ranelagh were opened to the public. From its opening Festing was appointed as leader of the Band and director of music. He held these positions for the next ten years, during which time many of his own compositions (particularly vocal works) were performed and became very popular. His writings for violin are particularly noted for their excellent crafting and reflect his exceptional knowledge of string playing technique.