Professional Tributes

There are hundreds of hours' worth of songs, dances and rituals, an entire ethnological treasure-trove, that David recorded painstakingly around the world belonging to tribes and communities in developing countries whose heritage since then - the 60s, 70s and 80s - has since disappeared. He has saved for posterity the voices of their ancestors and the musical footprint of their existence. David's passion for the music of other cultures was never touristic, he had a deep respect for the people and cultures he engaged with and believed that the recording of their music was an act of love and admiration, which it was.

As every decade passes since he conducted his monumental task, his contribution will seem ever greater, ever more precious, to rank alongside that of Bartok in Hungary or Evgeniya Lineva in Russia at the turn of the 20th century. His own composing paid tribute to his research into other cultures but retained an authentic, heartfelt Britishness, confirming the truth that it is only by appreciating one's own culture that one can truly relate to those of others, as equals. He will be sorely missed as a musician, friend, composer, but beyond the personal, his contribution to the preservation of now lost musical wonders of the world was a towering achievement that can never be matched or repeated. The world of music is a hugely poorer place without him.

Howard Goodall Composer & broadcaster

Rarely, rarely does the musical world see a composer of such utter originality, vision, humility and ability to assimilate diverse media and world music into his own, unmistakable voice. As a man David was a gentle giant - as a composer his music inspired and touched the hearts of millions around the world. Our lives have been enriched by knowing the man, his unshakable belief in humanity, his generosity of spirit, his beautiful music and his vision of life as a pulsing, pounding celebration.

Richard Blackford Composer

I have great memories of working with David Fanshawe right from the start, conducting Dover Castle while we were still students at the Royal College of Music, Tarka the Otter and other scores for film and television, and African Sanctus - the first recording and, later, performances with the Huddersfield Choral Society. We were a good team and I am very proud to have been part of his burgeoning career. I hope conductors will perform his works in the future because they will find it most rewarding and challenging.

Owain Arwel Hughes Conductor

David Fanshawe was one of the most remarkable people one could ever meet. He made a lasting impression on music in Australia through performances of his work at the Sydney Opera House, here both as a visitor and over the years he lived in Sydney. It was my great privilege to commission the libretto for “Pacific Odyssey” on behalf of Sydney Philharmonia and it is a tragedy that he did not live to complete it. What he did write gives a tantalising glimpse of a great work that would have been. Nevertheless, the Pacific region will remain forever in his debt for the tremendous music that David created, much of which has now been lost in the relentless tide of ‘modern’ culture that now touches even the remotest shores of our great ocean. All of David’s friends in this part of the world are delighted that his memory is being celebrated so fittingly this evening and long may his extraordinary musical legacy flourish.

Francois Kunc SC, Past Chairman, Sydney Philharmonia