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English Bach Festival
Welcome

ENGLISH BACH FESTIVAL TRUST

Hon Presidents: Albert Schweitzer, Igor Stravinsky, Leonard Bernstein.
Patrons: Steve Beckley, Sir Harrison Birtwistle CH, Mrs Edmee Leventis,
Sir Roger Norrington, Lady Norrington , Mr Andrew Porter,
Sir Curtis Price, John Harrison, Sir John Tooley.

Vous me faîtes le grand honneur de m'offrir d'être Président d'honneur du festival Jean-Sébastien Bach. J'accepte de coeur et je regrette de ne pouvoir être en Angleterre à cette époque. Avec mes bonnes pensées pour Mademoiselle Lina Lalandi et pour vous.
Votre dévoué Albert Schweitzer.

I am honoured to accept the presidency of the English Bach Festival which is one of the most distinguished and valuable musical organisations in the world today.

Igor Stravinsky

My dear Miss Lalandi:

I am honoured beyond measure at your inviting me to become president of the English Bach Festival. I accept in humble awareness of the great men who have preceded me in this position; and while I know I can never rise to their stature I do hope to come as near to the standards they set as I possibly can.

Faithfully,
Leonard Bernstein
7 March 72

"One of the most distinguished and valuable musical organizations in the world today."
Igor Stravinsky

The English Bach Festival Trust is synonymous with the name of Lina Lalandi-Emery, the renowned harpsichordist and her husband Ralph Emery, founded in 1962; it has fulfilled a unique role in the musical life in Britain.

It has been at the forefront of new ideas that have then become part of the musical scene. The EBF was a pioneer for contemporary music in Britain, introducing Messiaen, Stockhausen and Xenakis to a British audience. Providing opportunities for young artists remains central to its existence.