London mourns new-music pioneer
NewsJohn Woolf, the Covent Garden violinist who ran the Park Lane Group for 65 years, has died aged 91.
PLG was a January festival where new artists, many still at college, got to perform new music. Since nothing else was going on in early January, they tended to get reviews in natonal newspapers. For many – John Ogdon, the Arditti Quartet, it was the launchpad to an international career.
Obituary here.
RIP John. Such an enthusiast. He gave my chamber group, our first big opportunity and it enabled us to set our stall out as Contemporary music champions. So many could say the same I know. Thank you John.
Wrong picture????
I, and many of my predecessors and successors, had the great pleasure of working with John in programming PLG’s regular lunchtime concert series at St Martin’s. I remember him very fondly – his passion for supporting young musicians, his championing of new music, and his exceptional wit. My thoughts very much with his colleagues and family. RIP.
Such sad news. A great man. And a real loss. He was such an important part of music life in London. In tears. R.I.P.