It has been over two years since Jeremy Lamburn’s premature death, at the very early age of 51.
He was a popular local cellist, a multi-talented musician and a teacher. His family organised a celebrity concert in St Wilfrid’s Church on 23rd April to celebrate what would have been his birthday. The concert was given by Jeremy’s long-time friend, Leonid Gorokhov, a world-famous Russian cellist from St Petersberg, who is now Professor at the Hochschule for Music and Theatre in Hannover, Germany.
At the special request of Susie, Jeremy’s wife, Leonid’s programme included Schubert’s glorious Arpeggione Sonata. It also included movements from the Bach Suites for Solo Cello, and Schumann’s Fantasiestücke. He was accompanied on the piano by another of Jeremy’s former friends, Nigel Spooner. Their outstanding musicianship ensured that the performance was an eloquent tribute to Jeremy’s memory, produced after only a day’s acquaintance with each other. One highlight was an original composition by the cellist, called “Ennio for Jeremy”. For this improvisational piece, he was accompanied by the jazz musician Marius Rudnick.
After a standing ovation from the capacity audience in the church, a further concert was held in The Village Hall. This took the form of an impromptu celebration of Jeremy’s talents by many of the musicians – both friends and family, who had known and played with him. The concert was compered by his son, Alexander. He and his sister, Frances, both performed in memory of their father. All the contributions were as varied as the music that Jeremy had played, composed and taught. He was very much there in spirit.
Both concerts were provided, free of charge by the family. A flavour of the concerts can be found by entering Jeremy Lamburn Memorial Concerts 1 & 2 on YouTube. Contributions were invited in support of The British Red Cross Syria Appeal. So far, over £5,000 has been donated for this charity from these concerts and the sale of Jeremy’s CDs. This will help people in desperate need. It is still possible to donate at: www.justgiving.com/remember/241231/Jeremy-Lamburn.
