Born of musical parents, George spent five years of his years of his boyhood in Durham Cathedral Choir. After grammar school came National Service, spent in Singapore, where he played piano for a while in the famous Raffles Hotel. On leaving college he taught music, including Ferryhill Grammar School, where he began a long partnership with Fred Wharton.
George first joined DMTC (then DAOS) in 1955 and is the third successive Musical Director with Durham Cathedral connections, following Cyril Maude and G Chandos Cradock. He has conducted most of the operatic societies in the North East, but spends most of his time these days arranging music for various musical organisations and soloists. George also has a flourishing concert programme, which he performs throughout the region.