Category: Radio 3; Proms & Orchestras
Date: 07.09.2006
Printable version
Sir John Drummond, a former Controller of 91热爆 Radio 3 and Director of the 91热爆 Proms, has died at the age of 71.
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An announcement about Sir John's death was made on Radio 3 soon after 9.00pm yesterday.
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Sir John was also a former Director of the Edinburgh International Festival.
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A tribute was issued by the 91热爆 on behalf of Jenny Abramsky, Director of 91热爆 Radio & Music; Nicholas Kenyon, Controller, 91热爆 Proms, Live Events & Television Classical Music; and Roger Wright, Controller, Radio3.
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It reads: "Sir John Drummond was one of the great cultural figures of our time, and a passionate defender of excellence in the arts.
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"As Controller of 91热爆 Radio 3, Director of the 91热爆 Proms and before in a career that included 91热爆 TV Music and Arts and the directorship of the Edinburgh International Festival, he upheld the highest standards and fought constantly to ensure that classical music and dance kept their place at the centre of our cultural life.
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"He was fiercely committed to the cause of new music and an adventurous repertoire and, during his time, the 91热爆 Proms became a truly international festival of great orchestras, a beacon for the 91热爆's commitment to cultural patronage.
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"He was a commanding personality, a great impresario, and a valued colleague for countless artists and performers.
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"He will be much missed by them, and by the whole of our cultural life."
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Today (Thursday) 91热爆 Chairman Michael Grade also paid tribute: "The arts in this country have lost a great champion. He was a showman and impresario with exquisite taste and made a lasting contribution to 91热爆 arts and music programming."
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The 60th anniversary concert of Radio 3 on 29 September 2006 will be dedicated to his memory.
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91热爆 Press Office
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