It is with the greatest sadness that we acknowledge the death of Sir Ian Stoutzker CBE, on Saturday 6 April 2024. Sir Ian was the EUYO’s Board Co-Chair from 2014-2020, and Advisory Council Founding Chair from 2020 until April 2024.

Sir Ian’s contribution to the world of music in many roles and across many countries is well known. In more than a decade of exceptional service to the Orchestra, his knowledge, advice and commitment to the EUYO and its mission were unparalleled. Equally at home in advising on artistic, financial and organisational matters, Sir Ian was an absolutely key individual in planning and advising on the development of the Orchestra during the last decade. His contribution has been invaluable, particularly his constant attention to the importance of the highest standards of artistic performance, and he will be much missed by the entire organisation.

We extend our deepest sympathies to Sir Ian’s family at this time.

A violin graduate of the Royal College of Music, Sir Ian Stoutzker chose to study at the London School of Economics and pursue a career in commerce. In 1977, together with his friend Yehudi Menuhin, he founded the ground-breaking charity Live Music Now. After many years as Chairman, he became its President. He was the Chairman and President of the Philharmonia Orchestra during the period of its renewal and later Chairman of the Advisory Council of the London Symphony Orchestra.

He was a fellow and a Vice-President of the Royal College of Music, and a fellow of the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. In 2012 he was awarded a CBE for services to the arts by HRH Queen Elizabeth II, and was also awarded the Prince of Wales Medal for philanthropy. In June 2019 he was awarded a Knighthood in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

In 2014 he was invited to become joint Chairman of the EUYO, where he served in that capacity until 2020. The EUYO Sir Ian Stoutzker Prize has honoured and helped generations of our young musicians.