Death of a NY manager who kept Pavarotti’s secrets
mainWe hear that the emollient and diplomatic Hans Boon, a calming presence in Herbert Breslin’s hectic agency, died two weeks ago in Conneticut of a stroke. He had appaently been working on his memoirs, a tantalising thought.
Hans worked for Breslin through the Pavarotti years. He personally looked after the pianist Alicia de Larrocha and the soprano Kallen Esperian, among others. Before joining Breslin, he worked for Pavarotti’s record company, Decca.
He knew everyone.
Hans really was a nice person who could be tough when he had to be. Always a diplomat!
Above all he loved music and adored his opera.
Shame if his memoirs never see the light.
RIP, dear Hans, it was a pleasure to have known you.
I am sad to hear the news of Hans’ passing. What a man he was and what an incredible source of knowledge. RIP mister Hans.
Would be fascinating to compare his memoirs with Mr Breslin’s!
Norman :
Sorry to hear of Han’s passing. You are correct in your assessment of Herbert’s agency . We were fortunate with the St. Louis Symphony as Hans came to town with Pavarotti ,not Herbert, for an arena concert and things went very well . Hans was a pro and a very kind man.
A very nice friend and knowledgeable person. He introduced me to Pilar Lorengar and that was a long time friendship until she died. Thank you Hans and you’ll be missed. R.I.P.
I had the pleasure of working with Hans when I was working for Alicia at CAMI. We worked closely together and he was a great contrast to Herbert. Always a gentleman and totally understood the artists he worked for. A truly wonderful man.
The demise of these star agencies and managers reminds me we no longer have superstar names to manage anymore like Pavarotti, Tebaldi, Bernstein, Karajan, Horowitz. Today’s shows are run by musically-illiterate directors.
Hans was the ultimate gentleman. He taught me so much and I will deeply miss him. RIP Hans.
On behalf of his family, I would like to thank everyone for their kind words.