Ed Stewart (left) and Paul Barrett are pictured discussing their shared love of Mantovani. Picture by Hattie Miles
Broadcaster and presenter Ed Stewart who died on Saturday (9 January) had been looking forward to presenting a major light classical concert in Bournemouth.
In the weeks before his death the 74-year-old former BBC DJ had been discussing his role as presenter of a Magic of Mantovani concert at the Pavilion in April.
Stewart, who had lived in the Bournemouth and Poole area for many years, was a longtime presenter for the popular series of live concerts which celebrate the music of the king of romantic strings, Annunzio Paolo Mantovani.
He first took on the role of celebrity compere in 2008 alongside the late actress Alexandra Bastedo and had appeared in five subsequent shows.
Even though he was publicly associated with a rather different kind of music, Stewart’s knowledge of Mantovani’s music was vast. He told friends he had first heard the maestro’s famous cascading strings on the family wireless when he was a teenager. It was a sound that stayed with him throughout is life.
Founder of The Magic of Mantovani Orchestra, Poole based musician Paul Barrett spoke of his shock and sorrow on hearing of his old friend’s untimely death.
Speaking from his home in Canford Cliffs he said: “I am devastated to hear that Ed has died. He was such a lovely, talented man and a good friend. I last saw him just before Christmas and he was so excited and enthusiastic about the forthcoming concert. I can’t believe he won’t be there.”
The King of Strings concert in April will be dedicated to Ed Stewart’s memory.
