The joy of Previn
In his ‘Welcome’ feature in the April issue, the editor asks for our memories of the sensational André Previn. I was a concert promoter for over 35 years, firstly with Howard and Wyndham Theatres. I started the concert department there in 1969 and my first ever classical concert in May 1970 was with the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Previn at the New Theatre, Oxford. It was such a privilege for me to meet and work with him – he was exciting, charismatic and inspirational. Attached is a picture of him (above) at the party afterwards, thoroughly enjoying himself. On the left is Ralph Fields, also from a European Jewish family who fled the Nazi regime and settled in Hollywood – they got on like a house on fire, as you can probably imagine. That’s me too in the background – I can’t believe it is!
John Burrows, Lymington
The editor replies: We have hugely enjoyed reading memories of André Previn sent in by so many of our readers. Thank you for sending them to us.