Mackenzie, Alexander Campbell, 1847-1935

Scottish violinist, pianist and composer.   His father Alexander Mackenzie (c.1820-1857), also a violinist, from 1845 led the orchestra at the Theatre Royal in Edinburgh and encouraged his son to study violin in Germany, France and in London.

• Works by A.C. Mackenzie performed at the Reid Concerts
• Wm. Murray, Manager of the Theatre Royal, Edinburgh

A.C. Mackenzie was responsible for bringing Frederick Niecks to Scotland and the 1860s.

• Reid Professor Frederick Niecks

Returned to Edinburgh in 1865 and worked as a performer and teacher.  He played in the orchestra at the Reid Concerts from 1867 to 1878, under August Manns as principal second violin and under Charles Hallé as a member of the first violin section.  Mackenzie taught piano and violin at the Ladies' College in Edinburgh (Merchant Company) and the Church of Scotland Normal School Training College.  In 1873 was appointed conductor of the Scottlsh Vocal Association and in 1874 he married Mary Burnside.
Appointed in 1887 Principal of the Royal Academy of Music, London in succession to Sir George Macfarren.