Legendary broadcaster Sir Humphrey Burton has died at the age of 94.
The award-winning presenter hosted the BBC’s Omnibus and In Performance arts programmes in the 1970s and 80s. He was also the BBC’s head of music and arts for six years and presented on Classic FM and Radio 3.
Sir Humphrey died peacefully at home on Wednesday December 17 surrounded by loved ones. His family announced his passing with a moving tribute to the veteran who will “be missed beyond words”.
A statement read: “He was deeply loved by his children and grandchildren, and his commitment to spreading the joy of classical music was so inspiring.
(Image: BBC)
“An award winning writer, producer and filmmaker and a huge influence on several generations of arts programme makers, he was also a former presenter at Classic FM. He will be missed beyond words. We take comfort in knowing he is now at peace.”
Burton was the first Head of Music and Arts for the BBC, with one his most notable work being presenting the centennial Wagner Ring in 1976 as a 13-part soap opera in BBC2.
BBC Radio 3 paid tribute to their former presenter, adding: “He was a much loved classical music broadcaster and had a huge influence on generations of arts programme-makers. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
(Image: Redferns via Getty Images)
Sam Jackson, the controller of BBC Radio 3 and BBC Proms, said: “Very sad news – but what a life, and what a legacy. I count myself as being very fortunate to have produced a few radio programmes with Humphrey, back in the day. A man so full of grace, warmth, and brilliant anecdotes. Thinking of his family at this time.”
Suzy Klein, Head of Arts and Classical Music TV at the BBC, said: In the history of arts and classical music broadcasting, there are few figures as influential as Sir Humphrey Burton. His vision, ambition and ability to forge partnerships across borders brought world-class opera, classical music and arts programming into the homes of many millions. Humphrey leaves an enormous legacy at the BBC and beyond, and our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
He was arguably best known for his work on Classic FM, hosting a number of programmes celebrating influential figures he had worked with, including Leonard Bernstein and Yehudi Menuhin, whom he had written biographies on.
Classic FM paid tribute, saying in a statement: “With these broadcasts and his writing he introduced multiple generations to classical music with the trademark enthusiasm that made his name synonymous with arts broadcasting.”
He also founded Young Musician of the Year, and was a founding member of London Weekend Television.
He was awarded four Emmy awards, two BAFTAS, the Royal Television Society’s silver medal and a Sony Gold Award. In 2020, he was knighted for his services to classical music, the arts and the media.
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