Sir Humphrey Burton, the award-winning classical music broadcaster and former BBC Radio 3 presenter, has died at the age of 94. He passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, December 17, surrounded by his family.
In a statement, his family said: “He was deeply loved by his children and grandchildren, and his commitment to spreading the joy of classical music was so inspiring. He will be missed beyond words. We take comfort in knowing he is now at peace.”
Burton, who was born in Trowbridge in 1931, studied music and history at Fitzwilliam House, Cambridge, before joining BBC Radio as a trainee studio manager in 1955. He went on to present on Classic FM, BBC Omnibus, and In Performance in the 1970s and 1980s, and founded the BBC’s Young Musician of the Year award.
His programme Bernstein on Beethoven: A Celebration in Vienna won an Emmy Award in 1972, and he won again in 1988 for Great Performances episode Celebrating Gershwin. He enjoyed a 20-year association with conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein, directing over 170 documentaries and filmed concerts.
Sam Jackson, controller of BBC Radio 3 and BBC Proms, described Burton as “a man so full of grace, warmth, and brilliant anecdotes.” Classic FM said he “helped shape a golden age of classical music on television and radio,” while the Royal Philharmonic Society noted his work set a “gold-standard” that engaged millions with music.
Burton was knighted in 2020 for his services to classical music and the arts. His daughter, Clare, shared a photo on social media, writing: “It is with great sadness that I report the passing of my father... A huge influence on several generations of arts programme makers, he will be missed beyond words.”
