Lord Robert Maclennan of Rogart: A tribute

All of us at Awards for Young Musicians are very sad to hear of the recent death of our Patron Lord Robert Maclennan. Bob (as he insisted we call him) was a great supporter of AYM’s work, attending as many of our events as he could and advocating widely on our behalf. His instrument when growing up in Scotland was the violin: I remember him telling me with great pride about his father giving him the opportunity to play a very high quality instrument, and how lucky he felt. Bob was also a talented librettist, for example working with composer (and former BBC Young Musician of the Year) David Horne, on the 1999 Scottish Opera production, Friend of the People.

My meetings with Bob largely took place in the House of Lords, when, as well as discussing AYM’s work we talked in fascinating detail about everything from politics to ballet. He was always so interesting and full of new ideas and knowledgeable about a vast range of subjects. Although I only knew him for a few years of his long life I will always remember Bob as a hugely kind, warm and intelligent person, who was above all totally committed to making the world a better place, for everyone.

Hester Cockcroft – Chief Executive