Famous People I've Sat by at a Concert

[Hornspieler]

Not really an answer to the question, but on one occasion, listening to one of my own recordings, I was beside myself with pleasure.

'mornin' all.

HS

[Segilla]

Robin Ray related on a Face the Music programme how an aunt of his had taken him to the Festival Hall in1951 where they sat on the platform when Arrau played Chopin.
An aunt of mine had taken me to the RFH in 1951 where we sat on the platform and Arrau played Chopin.
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I paid by post for a ticket for a performance organised by the Liszt Society of his Via Crucis being performed at a London church, but it never arrived. I contacted the secretary, Humphrey Searle and was told to turn up and approach him (a very serious man) and I’d be let in, which I was.
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Not famous but memorable, my NW London piano teacher Florence Cole LRAM, ATC, LTCL + anr (who claimed cousinship with Maurice) told me that she was at a Queen’s Hall concert when a nearby woman burst into tears during the slow movement of the Elgar violin concerto.
Now that I’m very old, I find that tears all too readily come to my eyes.
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In the 1950’s Carl Rosa Opera’s Benvenuto Cellini at the New Wimbledon Theatre I noticed in the audience a very short comedy film actor who I’ve been told was Robertson Hare. I’m not at all sure that is right. One recollection of the Ealing Films type actor was of him bellringing and being raised high in the air every time he failed to let go of the rope.

[amateur51]

Robin Ray related on a Face the Music programme how an aunt of his had taken him to the Festival Hall in1951 where they sat on the platform when Arrau played Chopin.
An aunt of mine had taken me to the RFH in 1951 where we sat on the platform and Arrau played Chopin.
------------
I paid by post for a ticket for a performance organised by the Liszt Society of his Via Crucis being performed at a London church, but it never arrived. I contacted the secretary, Humphrey Searle and was told to turn up and approach him (a very serious man) and I’d be let in, which I was.
----------------------
Not famous but memorable, my NW London piano teacher Florence Cole LRAM, ATC, LTCL + anr (who claimed cousinship with Maurice) told me that she was at a Queen’s Hall concert when a nearby woman burst into tears during the slow movement of the Elgar violin concerto.
Now that I’m very old, I find that tears all too readily come to my eyes.
----------------
In the 1950’s Carl Rosa Opera’s Benvenuto Cellini at the New Wimbledon Theatre I noticed in the audience a very short comedy film actor who I’ve been told was Robertson Hare. I’m not at all sure that is right. One recollection of the Ealing Films type actor was of him bellringing and being raised high in the air every time he failed to let go of the rope.

If the bellringer let out a cry of "Oh Calamity!" or "Oh thing upon thing!" then that was indeed Robertson Hare.

You've quite cheered up my morning at the memory Segilla

[Pabmusic]

I once sat behind Herbert Howells at the RCM during a concert my (then) wife was playing in.

[Sir Velo]

I have to say I'm bemused by this thread's ability to amuse forumites. However, I have a vague recollection of sitting near a so-called sleb several years ago. Mme V got quite excited, although I haven't the foggiest who it was.

[vinteuil]

... some people even claim to have sat next to Me!

[Zucchini]

... some people even claim to have sat next to Me!

Yes. You must be the old dear who was mentioned on this forum for rattling her necklace, crunching popcorn, burping and reeking of garlic during the slow movt. of Brahms PC 1?

[Nick Armstrong]

... some people even claim to have sat next to Me!

Talk about reflected glory...!!

I once sat across the aisle from the harpist Marisa Robles - remember her? It was torment - she had on long (presumably Spanish-)leather boots, and with legs crossed, she was marking the beat with her suspended foot - which made the leather of the boot creak in time to the music (or sometimes, slightly out). The cojones deserted me and I did nothing about it

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EDIT: I won't have that said, zucchini: vinteuil would never eat popcorn!

[teamsaint]

... some people even claim to have sat next to Me!

easy to claim of course......