Sad loss of a great British leader, 67
RIPThe world of British orchestras has been saddened by the death from leukaemia of Richard Friedman, leader of the Royal Ballet Sinfonia in Birmingham and, for many years, of the London Festival Orchestra.
Rick Friedman was cultural royalty. His father Leonard Friedman, who died in 1994, was co-leader of the Royal Philharmonic under Beecham before heading north to found the Scottish Baroque Ensemble, a pioneer in its field. He was leader of the orchestra at the Edinburgh Festival when Daniel Barenboim conducted his first opera, Don Giovanni. Rick joined those rehearsals in the first violins, taking cues from Jacquline du Pre in the cellos.
His sister Sonia Friedman became a leading theatre priducer; another sister Maria is a well-known stage personality.
Rick, who died on Wednesday, is survived by his wife, Helen, and two children.
Picture is not Rick.
It is captioned as such by BRB
That’s his father, Leonard Friedman
excellent journalism here, NL
The picture is of Richard’s father , Leonard Friedman
N.L. has found a different and presumably more accurately captioned photograph.
Grief, quite a brood. Sixty-seven is too young, though; condolences to his family.
When Rick lived in Edinburgh I was lucky to be a very frequent page turner for the Mondrian Trio, with the late Bryn Turley on piano and the cellist Hafliði Hallgrímsson. Rick was a lovely, witty man. Happy memories. RIP.
A sad loss, condolences to his friends and family.
If that is a picture if a 67 year old it is no surprise that, at 68, I am often called “young man” in retail establishments.
The picture (shown) is certainly Rik and could be none other. I knew him very well having toured extensively with him and also worked with his Dad Leonard whom I also knew for a number of years. Rik was a gracious, hugely amusing, witty and brilliantly natural violinist. His death is a very sad loss.
I have just read nbout the sad loss of Richard Friedman.Though I had heard that he had been ill,I am very sorry to hear this.He was only 67,so not that old and a man who was extremely talented and who contributed so much.
I use to work in a school,where his mum often played the piano for the children and she played it so well and in a very uplifting way,that was very special and a pleasure to listen to.I knew that her family was very musical and extremely talented.I did meet Richard briefly on a few occasions and I remember him as being a kind,friendly and caring man.I think that I heard him play once.He certainly had great ability and was very talented at what he did and I’m glad that I had that opportunity then.He is missed by many I am sure and I hope that his family are ok.I remember meeting his sisters Maria and Sonia sometimes and it was always a pleasure meeting the family.In particular,I remember Clair their mum,who was a pleasure to know and a joy to be around,but have fond memories of all the family.I send my condolences to all his family and friends and anyone who knew him and has been affected by their premature loss.Thinking of you all. RIP
I would also like to pay my tribute.
I had just returned from working in Germany, and was freelancing in the UK.
I had the honour to be in the orchestra (2nd violin), that accompanied the Matsuyama Ballet Company of Tokyo and Rudolf Nureyev in the mid 1980s, performing Swan Lake for two weeks, under conductor David Coleman.
I will never forget Rick’s superb solos.
Taken too soon; my age.
May he rest in peace.
Sincerest condolences to his family.