Leonard writes:

“One Saturday afternoon in March 1945 I received a telephone call from a Basil Ashmore who asked me to come and see him later that afternoon at the Gateway Theatre, Notting Hill Gate.  When I arrived the young lady I met didn’t seem very pleased to see me but said she would call Basil Ashmore (more on that on another post CS).

Easter by Strindberg

Basil Ashmore was to produce the play ‘Easter‘ by Strindberg and had been given my name by Michael Tippett.  In the stage directions, Strindberg wanted a movement from Haydn’s ‘Seven Last Words‘ for String Quartet to be played before the curtain went up on each act.

A String Quartet

I got a quartet together from students at the Royal College of Music consisting of myself, as leader, Desmond Heath – 2^nd Violin, Cynthia Freeman – Viola and Sacha Robbins – Cello. 

Brilliant Hungarian violinist?

The production of ‘Easter’ was very successful.  Some praised the music and one critic wrote: “…….with Haydn’s music played by M.Salzedo, the brilliant Hungarian violinist” (!)

Patricia Clover

The young lady I had met when I arrived at the theatre was Patricia Clover, the assistant stage manager.

‘The Watched Pot’ by Saki

The next production was ‘The Watched Pot‘ by Saki.  It needed some off-stage piano music and I agreed to play some suitable dances from the Edwardian period.  The theatre was small and the backstage area was cramped, so the piano was in a place where I couldn’t hear the cues.  Patricia Clover had to stand next to me to tell me when to play.

Two lives intertwined

We came to know each other very well and used to go out together after each performance.  A few days later I asked her to marry me.  We set the date for May 30^th at Hackney Register office, at Hackney Town Hall.”

My parents were married for nearly 55 years till my father’s death on 6^th May 2000. They hadn’t had a big wedding so they often had anniversary parties.

More about Leonard Salzedo

This where you can join the Leonard Salzedo Society or contact Caroline Salzedo, Secretary via email calsalzedo@gmail.com

This where you can view the film Leonard Salzedo A Life Composed in Music

This where you can get more information on Leonard Salzedo including a list of his works

Caroline Salzedo