The Fugitive

The Fugitive, Leonard Salzedo‘s first ballet, was being rehearsed by Ballet Rambert in May 1945 as the Second World War in Europe ended.
Marie Rambert, a leading light in ballet all over the world, who had danced for the Diaghilev company in Russia and now ran her own London-based company Ballet Rambert, felt things weren’t going as well as they should.

An extra rehearsal

‘We need an extra rehearsal tomorrow,’ she said.

‘I can’t come tomorrow,’ said Leonard.

He felt the tension rise in the room. Madam Rambert was used to getting her own way but here was Leonard, at 23 years old, saying no.

‘What is it you are doing tomorrow,’ she said, ‘that you cannot come to a rehearsal of your first ballet?’

‘I’m getting married,’ he replied.

Wedding

He and Pat Clover married at Hackney Register Office on 30 May 1945.

And Marie Rambert often reminded him of that story, always with a smile.

Leonard Salzedo Celebration Concert

At the Leonard Salzedo Celebration Concert on 24^th September 2022, at Conway Hall, London, the Tango from the Fugitive will be played by pianist Viv McLean

Described by Le Monde as “possessing the genius one finds in those that know how to forget themselves”, since winning First Prize at the Maria Canals International Piano Competition in Barcelona, McLean has performed in all the major venues in the UK, as well as throughout Europe, Japan, Australia and the USA.

Buy tickets for the 24^th September Celebration Concert