Most of the readers who look at MUSICAlive! on a regular basis are unlikely to know who Andrew Raeburn was, or why he should merit the headline of this space. But anyone who was in contact with him, specifically as I was while doing work for the Esther Honens International Piano Competition (now called simply ‘the Honens) knows that his personality and humanity shone brightly over the development and successes of the Honens Competition.
His passing in 2010 presented an opportunity to appreciate the importance of connection and respect which one can offer others in the course of doing great things.
The notice that was released from the Honens Competition said many of the important details concisely:
“Born in London, Andrew studied violin, piano and organ from an early age. He was awarded a Master’s degree in History from King’s College, Cambridge (and was) conductor of two chamber choirs. His varied professional life in the arts spanned more than five decades, and included management and artistic administration with orchestras, . . . the production of nearly 100 classical recordings as music director of two record companies (and) the artistic direction of two international piano competitions (the Van Cliburn and the Honens).”
Clearly, Andrew loved music. And if his pedigree were not known to you (as it wasn’t to me when I met him in 1996 as a Competition volunteer), it became clear within moments at any event which required his presence. Andrew’s courteous, genial nature completely shattered the stereotype of aloof detachment which clings to the classical music field: as long as you loved music, you were all right by him.
“He was also a consultant to orchestras, dance companies, festivals, music competitions, other non- profit organizations and government funding agencies, and was an occasional performer, competition juror, writer, lecturer and broadcaster.”
Mr. Raeburn received . . . an Honorary Diploma in Musical Performance from Mount Royal University (then still a college), a special achievement award for exceptional accomplishment in arts management, an honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Calgary, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the World Federation of International Music Competitions.
And with all this behind him, Andrew seemed to treat every person he met as though they had the same credentials as he, deserving of respect and consideration at the highest level.
As Jessica Duchen said in her UK-based Standpoint magazine blog:
“He and his late brother, Christopher Raeburn, were two of the most cultured, humane, canny, knowledgeable, Renaissance men in the music business, and the classical globe is much the poorer without them.”
It was a pleasure to meet you Andrew. Bon Voyage.