Death of a UK composer, 91
RIPThe small notices of the Daily Telegraph carry this announcement: George Newson (born on 27th July 1932), pioneering composer and beloved family man, passed away at home on 8th March 2024.
Newson was an important figure in 1960s electronic music. He befriended Harrison Birtwistle and was summoned by Pierre Boulez to work with him at IRCAM in Paris. When not fiddling with switches, he took valuable portraits of many of his colleagues. His work was represented by Lebrecht Music&Arts.
A one act opera, Mrs Fraser’s Frenzy, was staged at the Canterbury and Cheltenham Festivals in 1994.
Sad, but a long life. I have very fond memories of being award a bursary in 1971 from the SPNM at the behest of Don Banks, to study part time with George at Goldsmith’s College. In the little terraced house on campus which served as the electronic music studio we worked with the prototype VCS3 synthesiser – England’s answer to Moog. The casing of the instrument was made of wood, and one day we discovered that this great sounding kit was very inflammable! Class ended for the day as we had to evacuate the building! Happy days and George was quietly inspirational. RIP
Born the day before my mother. RIP, George.