Ian Stoutzker

His father was the cantor at the Central Synagogue in London and his mother, Dora Cohen, a piano teacher in Tredegar, Wales.

[1] Following the death of its principal conductor, Otto Klemperer, in 1973, the New Philharmonia Orchestra needed financial support and new musical leadership.

Menuhin's experiences during the Second World War playing to the sick and the wounded together with his desire to help talented young musicians had given him the idea of creating an organisation that would have a dual purpose.

Its aim would be to reach out to those less fortunate in society to enjoy the benefits of live music and at the same time help young musicians at the start of their career.

Knowledgeable, generous, fearless and shrewd in his judgements, Sir Ian's contribution to the Orchestra's welfare, even its continuation, cannot be exaggerated.