Soundbites
Arise, Sir John
Congratulations to John Williams, who has been awarded an honorary knighthood. The pre-eminent US film composer, 90, was named in the final list of honorees approved by Queen Elizabeth II, thus receiving due recognition for a string of movie score hits that includes Star Wars, Jaws and Schindler’s List. A number of those scores, including Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark, were recorded in London.
Stepping back
Daniel Barenboim, himself the recipient of an honorary knighthood in 2011, has announced that he is to reduce significantly his commitments as a pianist and conductor. In a statement, Barenboim explained that ‘My health has deteriorated over the last months, and I have been diagnosed with a serious neurological condition’, adding that, at 79, ‘I must now focus on my physical wellbeing as much as possible.’
Soundly built
The composer and electronic music pioneer Delia Derbyshire (1937-2001) is to be honoured in her home city.
Coventry University has announced that it is to name its new faculty of arts and humanities building after Derbyshire, whose groundbreaking work with the
BBC’S Radiophonic Workshop in the 1960s included the famous electronic arrangement of Ron Grainer’s Doctor Who theme. The new building will open early in 2023.
Independence day
After 140 years of steadfastly championing the cause of performers and composers, the Incorporated Society of Musicians has revealed its wild and radical side by changing its name to the Independent Society of Musicians. ‘This is an incredibly exciting day,’ says chief executive Deborah Annetts about the change which, explains the ISM, ‘will make it even more effective in its support for its members’.