He was the first leader of the Midland Youth Orchestra (founded in 1956), and went on to study at the Royal Manchester College of Music.
[2] In 1976 Griffiths joined the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) as leader.
He appeared as soloist with the orchestra, playing works including Elgar's Violin Concerto[3] and The Lark Ascending by Vaugham Williams, which they recorded in 1987.
He left in 1989 to become leader of the orchestra of English National Opera (ENO).
Andrew Klee, a 1st violin in the RPO, wrote: "He was really concerned about being part of the identity of the orchestra.... As a leader, Barry's knowledge of the orchestral score was extraordinary.