Friend, Lionel (1945– )

English conductor. He studied at the Royal College of Music, London, and the London Opera Centre, and made his debut with the Welsh National Opera in 1969, with La traviata. He conducted the Welsh National Opera 1968–72, and the Kassel Opera 1972–75. He was staff conductor for the English National Opera Ensemble 1976–89, and led the first performance of David Blake's The Plumber's Gift. He was appointed musical director of the New Sussex Opera in 1989, and his productions have included a well-received Tannhäuser. In 1983 he conducted the BBC forces in the first performance of the opera The Tigers by Havergal Brian, which was composed 1916–30.