In the early 1950s Leonard received a letter from Pat Braun née Millard, a distant cousin. Pat had seen Leonard’s ballets at Rambert and at Sadlers Wells – where she had often seen him take a bow – but they had never met.

Soon afterwards Pat and John Braun came for dinner at the Salzedo family home in Wembley and became close friends with Leonard and his wife Pat.

John Cromer Braun

The late John Braun OBE was an international lawyer and professional administrator, who was for several years Head of the Consumer Protection Division in the European Commission. Under the pen name John Cromer he was a poet and writer especially concerned with the adaptation of poetry to musical requirements and writing original libretti and songs. 

World War 2

During WW2 while serving in Egypt John Cromer co-founded the Salamander group which collected and published poems by people serving in the armed forces.

Lotus Eater Abroad

‘Lotus-eaterʼdenotes “a person who spends their time indulging in pleasure and luxury rather than dealing with practical concerns.” The song cycle The Lotus Eater Abroad was written in 1971 and is one of a number of collaborations between John and Leonard.

Five songs from the cycle will be sung at the Leonard Salzedo Celebration Concert by Geoff Williams Professional Baritone Soloist who sings everything from Opera and Oratorio to Films: find him on YouTube

Buy tickets for the Concert here and you can buy a programme at the same link (without buying another ticket!)