An announcement from the UK Association of Professional Recording Services advises of the passing of founding patron, George Lascelles:
The sad news of the death of George Lascelles, the seventh Earl of Harewood at the age of 88 closes a significant chapter in the history of the APRS. Lord Harewood became the figurehead of the Association of Professional Recording Studios as its first President in 1947 showing one side of a passion for music and the arts that endured throughout his life.
He was succeeded as the Association’s first President by Sir Georg Solti in 1972 but continued as its founding Patron until his death on 11 July 2011.
His love for and much respected commitment to music, especially opera, expressed in so many practical and directly ‘hands-on’ contributions to the most prestigious musical institutions over decades was equaled only by a similar dedication to Leeds United football club which he supported as a fan (and later, President) from the age of ten. Devoting most of his career to the world of opera undertaking a series of diverse roles as director, artistic director, musical director, editor of Opera magazine, Director of the Royal Opera House, author of two seminal works on opera and an autobiography, Chairman of ENO (English National Opera) and BBC Governor, he was arguably the most consistently accomplished member of the Royal family of his generation.
The APRS renewed its relationship with Lord Harewood on the occasion of its 60th anniversary in 2007, and has been honoured to receive generous messages of best wishes from him at each of it Sound Fellowship Awards. Two years ago the Association introduced ‘The Harewood Toast’ as a part of its annual Sound Fellowship celebrations, proposed on its inauguration by Lord Harewood’s son, Jeremy Lascelles, a senior figure in the UK’s music publishing community.
The APRS’ current President, Sir George Martin, CBE reflected: ‘Anyone would be honoured to follow in the footsteps of such a great figure in music as Lord Harewood, and I as the third President of the APRS am no exception. Like many, I am grieved at his passing, and he will be missed enormously. He was a giant in the world of British Opera who will be remembered by many artistes for his untiring work, his kindness and devotion to his friends in music. He was indeed a great man.’
Extending our sincere condolences to the Countess of Harewood and to Jeremy and his family, the APRS will be proud to continue commemorating an extraordinary life and is honoured to have enjoyed such a warm association with Lord Harewood for so long.
