Times music critic retires
main‘In 35 years reviewing for The Times,’ says Hilary Finch in the paper’s ombudsman column, ‘I’ve felt that what I’ve been paid to do is not to criticise, but to report – as succinctly and vividly as possible. And to report for a newspaper which has always thought – and I hope always will – that the remarkable things that are going on in classical music-making up and down the country is a story worth telling.’
Some may find her attitude old-fashioned in a decade when music critics seek to stoke controversy with comments about body-shape and fuel a bandwaggon for or against a second concert hall or opera house.
We find Hilary’s comments refreshing, professional and timely. Hilary has always been a trusted voice in the stalls, eminently knowledgeable, shrewd and humane in her judgements. She will file her last review at the end of his week. We wish her a very happy retirement.
l’m surprised that she characterises herself so modestly! I have always found Hilary one of the most verbally imaginative and aurally sensitive of reviewers – a poet rather than a reporter. She will be greatly missed both by her colleagues and her readers.
A lovely lady – and more to the point, she genuinely loves and cares about music! Her pen will be missed!
Hilary was the well respected music critic for a couple of concerts I did as soprano soloist at the QEH some years ago when I was starting out. A great loss for the music world and for the Times as she certainly had a way with words and yes, reported, rather than pull things to bits for the sake of it, and comment on the frock!!