Died 1927 | ||
William Lewis Barrett (1847–1927) was a professional flautist and music teacher. His parents were Thomas Barrett and Mary Lewis (of Dinas Mawddwy). By the time William was born however the family were living in London. As a child he received violin lessons and also began to play the flute.
Following further instruction on the flute from Rockstro, in 1868 he was appointed flautist to the Italian Opera, Lutz. Other orchestras he played with include the Sacred Harmonic Society, the Carl Rosa Company and the Philharmonic Society, and he played before Queen Victoria at Balmoral and at Windsor. He was considered possibly the foremost flute player in the country.
Between 1883 and 1910 he taught the flute at the Royal College of Music. He died in 1927 at the Savage Club, London, and was buried in Kensal Rise.