Charles Mackerras authority on Mozart's operas and those of Sir Arthur Sullivan. His ballet with John Cranko, "Pineapple Poll", is an arrangement of Sullivan music with a story based on one of W. S. Gilbert's "Bab Ballads". The piece premiered in 1951, soon after the expiration of copyright on Sullivan's music, and continues to be a popular light music favourite in English speaking countries. Mackerras later arranged music by Giuseppe Verdi for the ballet "The Lady and the Fool". He also arranged a suite from John Ireland's score for the 1946 film "The Overlanders", after Ireland's death in 1962. He became principal
James Baker (composer) James Baker (composer) James Baker is an American electro-acoustic composer, percussionist and conductor. James Baker graduated with degrees in music from SUNY Purchase and Juilliard, where he studied percussion and conducting. He began a long time collaboration with choreographer Tere O'Connor and has composed numerous works for Tere O'Connor Dance, including Bessie Award winner "Heaven Up North". He was also the composer for "Like Two Kevins" for the Lyon Opera Ballet. His works have been performed internationally. Baker works as Principal Percussionist for the New York City Ballet Orchestra and serves as director of the Percussion Ensemble at the New