Anthony Shaw (violinist) facts for kids

Anthony Shaw was a talented English violinist. He was born around 1747 in Bath and passed away in Margate in 1792 when he was 45. Anthony was a very important musician in London. He led the orchestra at the famous Covent Garden Theatre until he died. His father, Thomas Shaw, was also a musician. His younger brother, Thomas Shaw, became a well-known composer.

Early Life and Family

We don't know much about Anthony Shaw's early life. We do know he was the son of a musician named Thomas Shaw. His father was born in 1715 and played the double-bass. Thomas Shaw senior was a leading musician in both Bath and London for many years. He directed concerts and played in music festivals. He even became a member of the Royal Society of Musicians in 1754.

By 1768, Anthony Shaw was living in London. He likely married Rachael Collier on May 30, 1768. They lived in the Saint-Augustine parish.

Career as a Musician

Anthony Shaw became a member of The Royal Society of Musicians around 1776 or 1777. This shows he was already a respected musician.

In 1784, he played the first violin at the Commemoration of Handel. This was a huge series of concerts honoring the famous composer George Frideric Handel. Nearly 500 musicians played together at Westminster Abbey and the Pantheon.

By 1788, Anthony Shaw became the leader of the orchestra at Covent Garden. This was a very important job. His brother, Thomas Shaw, led the orchestra at the rival Drury Lane theatre.

Anthony Shaw also helped choose the music for plays. For example, he selected the instrumental music for Aladin, or the Wonderful Lamp. This play premiered at Covent Garden in December 1788.

In 1790, Anthony lived very close to his workplace. His home at 10 Bow Street was just across the road from the Covent Garden Theatre. He also played in an oratorio concert at the King's Theatre in February 1792.

Working in Margate

Theatre Royal, Margate. Built in 1787, it underwent a radical remodelling both inside and out in 1874.

During the 1700s, Margate changed from a small fishing village into one of England's first seaside resorts. People from London could travel there easily by boat. Visitors enjoyed hotels, dance halls, and a theatre.

In the early 1790s, Anthony Shaw became the orchestra's supervisor at the Theatre Royal of Margate. This theatre had only been built a few years earlier, in 1787. Anthony owned a small part of the Margate theatre. When he passed away, his share went to his brother, Thomas Shaw. Anthony worked at Covent Garden during the main season and then at Margate in the summers.

Death

Anthony Shaw died suddenly in Margate on August 26, 1792. He was buried there three days later. The Kentish Gazette newspaper reported his death. They said he was a man of "respectable musical abilities" and "private worth."

His death left his wife, Rachael, with very little money. The Royal Society of Musicians helped her by giving her a small monthly income.