Gustav Theodore Holst was an English composer and teacher, born on the 21st of September 1874 in Cheltenham. He is best known for his orchestral suite, The Planets, which gained international fame after the First World War. Though he composed many works, none reached the same level of success as The Planets. Holst’s early musical influences included the great composers Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss, but he later developed his unique style, inspired by English folk songs and modern composers like Maurice Ravel.

From a young age, it was clear that Holst was destined for a musical career. Unfortunately, an arm injury prevented him from pursuing his dream of becoming a pianist. Instead, he studied at the Royal College of Music and worked as a professional trombonist. Holst made a lasting impact on music education, particularly for women, through his teaching at St Paul’s Girls’ School and Morley College. His legacy continues to influence many composers, ensuring that his music remains appreciated to this day.