Lady Airlie, who has died aged 91, was the first American Lady of the Bedchamber when she was appointed to the role in 1973. It was a post she despatched with meticulous care and attention, supporting the Queen in her public duties with diligence while remaining discretely in the background. She remained a prominent member of the household until the Queen’s death in 2022.
Benjamin Luxon, who has died aged 87, was an opera singer who was a particular favourite of Benjamin Britten. He appeared at the Edinburgh Festival in operas by Britten and starred in many heroic productions at Scottish Opera, notably the title role of Wozzeck at the Festival in 1981.
Alan Watt, who has died in Glasgow aged 77, was a well-known figure throughout musical life in Scotland as a singer of opera and in concert halls and taught at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS). He was much admired by colleagues and staff there for his meticulous care and advice to all his students. On stage, singers have spoken of his sonorous baritone voice and his ability to enliven the character he was portraying.
James Loughran, international conductor born in Glasgow who triumphed at the Proms
Sir Andrew Davis, who has died of leukaemia aged 80, was a genial conductor of opera and symphonic music throughout the world and one of the most celebrated conductors of his generation. He inspired orchestras with a subtle diplomacy cajoling them to even greater musical heights.
Ryland Davies, who has died aged 80, was an outstanding tenor who began his career with Scottish Opera when he sang Ferrando in their historic production of Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte in 1967.
Sir David Lumsden, who has died aged 94, was principal of both the Royal Scottish and the Royal Academy of Music in London. He faced challenging situations in both appointments as not only the manner of their funding was being considered but also the relevance of maintaining elite music academies. Lumsden was to prove a dogged campaigner on their behalf and, in Scotland, battled to save the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra (BBCSSO)
Dame Frances Campbell-Preston, DCVO
Professor Alastair Fowler, CBE, FBA
Sir Bruce Pattullo, CBE, FRSE
