FAREWELL TO…
Christopher Nupen Born 1934 Filmmaker
Nupen was a true pioneer in the field of classical music documentary, taking advantage of the improved (quieter) camera technology of the 1960s and his own ability to put musicians at ease in front of the lens. Born in Johannesburg, Nupen studied law and even flirted with a career as a banker before moving to England to pursue work as a sound engineer for BBC Radio. His next move was television, where he cut his teeth on 1960s shows like Contrasts and Omnibus, including the iconic 1967 episode of the latter, ‘Jacqueline’, about Du Pré and Barenboim’s recording of Elgar’s Cello Concerto. He co-founded Allegro Films, the UK’S first independent production company, in 1968 and went on to make over 75 films about some of classical music’s most illustrious names, winning numerous awards (including a BAFTA) along the way.
Gilbert Biberian Born 1944 Guitarist, composer
Another 1960s trailblazer, Biberian was an innovative performer and champion of new guitar repertoire. A composer himself, he studied with Elisabeth Lutyens and Hans Keller and in 1969 founded The Omega Players, one of the UK’S first professional guitar ensembles. Born in Istanbul, Biberian enjoyed studies in France with guitarists Ida Presti and Alexandre Lagoya, and also at Trinity College of Music. His own compositions were a significant addition to the guitar repertoire.
David Lumsden Born 1928 Organist, choirmaster
A man who will be remembered for many things, Lumsden played an impactful leading role at the Royal Academy of Music, where he was principal from 1982-93. A skilled organist and much-loved choirmaster, the Newcastle-born musician studied at Selwyn College, Cambridge with Boris Ord and Thurston Dart. He spent over 20 years at New College, Oxford (1955-76) as organist and tutor, and was principal of the Royal Scottish Conservatoire of Music and Drama and chair of the National Youth Orchestra.
Also remembered…
The British philanthropist Nigel Brown (born 1945 ) founded not only the Stradivari Trust – helping many leading violinists acquire instruments – but also the charity Artsshare and the artist management agency Hazard Chase.
Matthew Rye (born 1962) was a British classical music journalist whose wide knowledge graced not only these pages as a writer and subeditor, but also those of The Telegraph and The Strad.