Joah Bates facts for kids

Joah Bates (born around 1741 – died 8 June 1799) was a talented English musician. He was known for his skills in music and for organizing big musical events.

Life Story

Joah Bates was born in Halifax, England, around 1741. His father, Henry Bates, was an innkeeper and also worked for the church.

Early Education and Music

Joah went to Dr. Ogden's school first. He learned music from Hartley, who was an organ player in Rochdale. Later, he attended Dr. Parnell's school in Manchester. While there, he was very impressed by Robert Wainwright, who played the organ at the main church in Manchester.

He then went to Eton College, a famous school, where he earned a scholarship in 1756. At Eton, he couldn't play music with real instruments. But he loved music so much that he practiced by pretending to play on a table! One of his teachers, Mr. G. Graham, noticed his passion and encouraged him.

University and First Big Concert

In 1758, Joah received a scholarship to King's College, Cambridge, a well-known university. He officially started there in 1760. He earned his first degree in 1764 and a master's degree in 1767.

While studying at Cambridge, Joah organized and conducted a performance of 'Messiah' in his hometown of Halifax. This was a very special event because it was the first time a large musical work like an oratorio had been performed so far north in England! Interestingly, William Herschel, who later became a famous astronomer, played the first violin in Joah's orchestra.

After university, Joah became a fellow at King's College, which meant he was a senior member of the college. He also became a tutor, teaching students.

Important Jobs and Marriage

Joah's musical and general talents caught the attention of Lord Sandwich, a very important government official. Lord Sandwich's son was one of Joah's students. Lord Sandwich made Joah his private secretary and helped him get a job at the General Post Office, which paid him £100 a year.

Joah held several important government positions. He was a commissioner for the Sixpenny Office from 1772 to 1776, and for Greenwich Hospital from 1775 until he died. In 1776, he became a commissioner for the Victualling Office, which was in charge of supplying food and drink to the navy. In the same year, he became the conductor for the Concerts of Ancient Music, a new series of concerts.

Around this time, Joah also wrote a book called 'Treatise on Harmony,' which was about music theory. It was even translated into German. On 21 December 1780, he married Sarah Harrop, who had been his music student and was a talented singer herself.

Later Life and Challenges

In 1783, Joah Bates, along with Lord Fitzwilliam and Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn, helped organize the Handel Commemoration. This was a huge musical festival that celebrated the music of George Frideric Handel. It took place in Westminster Abbey in May and June 1784, and Joah was the main conductor for these grand performances.

In 1785, King George III appointed Joah as a commissioner of customs, another important government role. He also became the vice-president of Westminster Hospital.

Sadly, Joah and his wife invested all their money in a business called the Albion Mills. When these mills burned down in 1791, they lost almost everything. This upsetting event caused Joah a lot of stress and led to health problems. In 1793, he stopped conducting the Ancient Concerts. Joah Bates passed away on 8 June 1799. A painting of Joah Bates and his wife, by F. Coates, R.A., is owned by H. Littleton, Esq.