#OTD 80 years ago 22 July 1943, in the main hall of the Royal College of Music 21-year-old Leonard Salzedo received the Tagore Gold Medal for outstanding student of the year from the then Princess Elizabeth, aged 17. The Queen was there to see her daughter in her first public engagement.

Official Photo of the presentation

Leonard wrote: ‘There was a concert at which all the awards were presented by Princess Elizabeth.  The conductor was Sir Adrian Boult.  Later, all the award winners had tea with the Queen and the Princess.’

A wartime student

This was in the depths of World War II, and Leonard was a member of the Home Guard but that didn’t stop him continuing his music studies, composing, attending and playing in concerts throughout London. Life carried on and music and the arts were very important.

And Leonard’s music carries on

Watch the film on YouTube Leonard Salzedo A Life Composed in Music

Click here for more information on Leonard through his website, including how to get hold of scores and recordings, and information about future concerts.

You can buy CDs of some of Leonard’s pieces here at Mike Purton Recording Services.

To join the Leonard Salzedo Society click here or contact Caroline Salzedo through his website