Leopold David de Rothschild
Leopold David de Rothschild | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 12, 1927 |
| Died | April 19, 2012 (aged 84) |
| Occupation(s) | Financier, Musician |
| Known for | Member of Rothschild banking dynasty, President of The Bach Choir of London |
Leopold David de Rothschild, CBE, FRCM (12 May 1927 – 19 April 2012), was a distinguished British financier and musician, as well as a member of England's renowned Rothschild banking dynasty.
As the youngest offspring of Lionel Nathan de Rothschild (1882–1942) and Marie Louise Eugénie Beer (1892–1975), he received his education at Lockers Park School, Harrow School, and Trinity College, Cambridge. Leopold successfully merged his enthusiasm for music with a professional path in finance. He was a skilled pianist and violinist who also performed as a vocalist with The Bach Choir of London, eventually becoming its president. Following two years of service in the Royal Navy during his adolescence, he gained experience at Kuhn, Loeb & Co., Morgan Stanley, and Glyn, Mills & Co., before joining N M Rothschild & Sons as a partner in 1956.
Alongside his prosperous banking career, he demonstrated a deep dedication to music and cultural endeavors. His leadership positions encompassed Chairmanship of the British Council's Music Advisory Committee, Presidency of the English Chamber Orchestra, trusteeship at Glyndebourne Arts Trust, Co-presidency of SOAS's Jewish Music Institute, Chairmanship of the Royal College of Music Council, founding membership in the Voices Foundation, Chairmanship of the Countess of Munster Musical Trust, and Presidency of the Wendover Choral Society. Additionally, he was a Trustee for both London's Science Museum and York's National Railway Museum, served as President of Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, and was part of the Bank of England Court.
Through the Leopold de Rothschild Charitable Trust, he contributed to a variety of charitable organizations including St John's Hospice and supported cultural institutions such as the London Symphony Orchestra, London Sinfonietta, Rambert Dance Company, along with providing scholarships at the Royal College of Music.