George Linstead

Who was George Linstead?

George Frederick Linstead was a musician, critic and composer, who featured prominently in the musical life of Sheffield and South Yorkshire.

Linstead spent his childhood in the village of Doveridge, South Derbyshire, where his musical talents first developed. The sudden death of his father in 1915 forced the family to move to Sheffield, where he spent the rest of his life, never forgetting his country roots. After leaving Sheffield Central School in 1923, he devoted himself to a musical career. Through financial circumstances he was never able to attend university for undergraduate studies, but nevertheless obtained numerous degrees and diplomas through external study, including those of Bachelor and Doctor of Music.

For many years, Linstead was the music critic of the Sheffield Telegraph. He was a music lecturer at Sheffield University, an organist and choirmaster, and for many years contributed program notes for the Philharmonic concerts. His numerous compositions included works for orchestra, solo instrument, piano, Organ, and choir. Some of these were performed by the Halle Orchestra and received their first public hearing in the City Hall.