Benedict, Julius (1804–1885)

German-born English conductor and composer. In 1835 he went to Paris and to London, where he remained for the rest of his life. He conducted a great deal in London, both opera and concerts.

He was a pupil of Johann Hummel and Carl Maria von Weber, and met Beethoven in Vienna in 1823, when he was appointed conductor at the Kärntnertortheater. Next he went to Naples, where he produced his first Italian opera in 1829. He was conductor of the Norwich Festival 1845–78 and of the Liverpool Philharmonic Society 1876–80.

Works Opera Giacinta ed Ernesto, I portoghesi in Goa (1830), Un anno ed un giorno (1836), The Gypsy's Warning, The Brides of Venice (1844), The Crusaders, The Lily of Killarney (1862), The Bride of Song (1864).

Other two symphonies; two piano concertos; five cantatas; and other pieces.