One of the leading conductors of his time, Sir Adrian Boult (1889–1983) was a constant champion of British composers and gave first performances of many important works. He was particularly admired for his live and recorded interpretations of Vaughan Williams. In 1930 he was asked by the BBC to found a new orchestra: the result was the BBC Symphony Orchestra, which quickly impressed visiting conductors such as Arturo Toscanini and Bruno Walter and remains one of the country's leading ensembles. During his career Boult also held positions at Covent Garden, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and London Philharmonic Orchestra, as well teaching at the Royal College of Music (1919–1930 & 1962–1966). He was known not only for his precise and sensitive baton technique but also for his humble nature and kindness and generosity towards fellow musicians.