Sir Harrison Birtwistle at the Royal Festival Hall in 2004. This photo was taken during a series of his music at the South Bank Centre called, Birtwistle Games to mark his 70th Birthday.
My tribute to Harry in words and pictures!
I have been devastated to hear of the passing of the composer Harrison Birtwistle age 87. I have followed him around various London concert halls since about 1996. My passion for photographing composers allowed me access, if only temporarily, into their musical world. This was always a privilege and Harry as he was known to everyone who knew him, was always pleased to see me. With my camera in hand, he was always happy for me to observe him through many rehearsals, talks, and interactions with conductors, soloists, and other members of the orchestra. I spent many times taking photos during rehearsals with the London Sinfonietta with whom I know he had a special relationship at the Queen Elisabeth Hall. Seeing him at the BBC Proms was always another highlight. I last saw him there with Sir Peter Maxwell Davies at Cadogan Hall for a chamber music Prom in 2014. And lastly, I saw him at a dress rehearsal at English National Opera for his opera, The Mask of Orpheus in 2019. He greeted me kindly. I asked how he was and he said, “Well I’m still here”! That was Harry, such a gentle and kind soul. I will miss him greatly.
Sir Harrison Birtwistle with the London Sinfonietta. Queen Elisabeth Hall. 2nd December 2003
Sir Harrison Birtwistle with the London Sinfonietta. Queen Elisabeth Hall. 2nd December 2003
Sir Harrison Birtwistle with the conductor, Jac van Steen during a rehearsal with the BBC Symphony Orchestra at BBC Maida Vale Studios. 14th February 2001
Sir Harrison Birtwistle with the conductor, Jac van Steen. BBC Maida Vale Studios 14th February 2001
Sir Harrison Birtwistle listening to a rehearsal with the London Sinfonietta at the Queen Elisabeth Hall. 22nd May 1999.
Sir Harrison Birtwistle at the Royal Festival Hall during a Composers Day event. 23rd April 1996
Hands of Harry. Harrison Birtwistle’s hands and glasses at a Composers day at the Royal Festival Hall. 23rd April 1996
Sir Peter Maxwell Davies (1934 – 2016) and Sir Harrison Birtwistle (1934 – 2022)
BBC Proms at Cadogan Hall, 9th August 2014.
Clemency Burton-Hill and Sir Harrison Birtwistle.
BBC Proms at Cadogan Hall, 9th August 2014
Sir Harrison Birtwistle at the dress rehearsal for The Mask of Orpheus at ENO. 16th October 2019
Sir Harrison Birtwistle at the dress rehearsal for The Mask of Orpheus at ENO. 16th October 2019 The Composer Colin Matthews can be seen on the far right.
By Sisi Burn
All images and text © 2022