Conductor dies, aged 100
mainWe are sorry to learn of the death of Harry Rabinowitz. He turned 100 in March and was due to conduct the London Symphony Orchestra once more in November.
Harry was, in his day, music director at BBC Light Entertainment and a regular at the Proms.
The first conductor of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats, he also conducted the film scores for Chariots of Fire,The Remains of the Day, and The English Patient.
Rest his gentle soul.
He was a lovely man – but I wouldn’t say he was necessarily gentle. Kind certainly, but as sharp as anything.
Harry made several memorable appearances with the Boston Pops, each time bringing his elegant manners along with a highly developed, dry and razor-sharp wit. With Harry, one truly just had to be there. We all liked him tremendously.
Here’s a prime example of Harry’s persona, and his terrific musicianship.
https://soundcloud.com/minacciosa/dinah-jmw-gerry-mordis-harry-rabinowitz-boston-pops-esplanade-orchestra
Sharp as a new pin – how splendid that he reached his century! I remember him among my earliest musical experiences at the Royal Albert Hall.
I am very sorry to hear of the death of South African born conductor, Harry Rabinowitz. I heard him on ‘Desert Island Discs’ not long ago. May he rest in peace.