With author Leo Black, editor Christopher Wintle, illustrator Milein Cosman and a special performance by Daniela Lehner, mezzo soprano, with Oliver Davies, piano.

The BBC of the 1960s, a formative time in the evolution of British broadcasting, is now swathed in heresy. As a corrective, Leo Black’s vivid and personable new memoir offers an authoritative account of how the Music Programmes Department was organised, with character studies of its leading members from William Glock down, and of many of its distinguished performers. Nowadays these men and women are not so much forgotten as imprecisely remembered. This book offers a more focused account of them and their achievements. 

This evening also celebrates the life and career of Paul Hamburger, a BBC music producer, inspired writer, vocal coach and outstanding accompanist.