André Previn, Oscar-winning Jewish composer who fled Nazi Germany, has died
The renowned composer and pianist will be remembered as one of the most distinguished musicians of his generation.
Jewish composer and pianist André Previn has died at 89 in Manhattan and will be remembered as one of the most distinguished musicians of his generation.
Previn was born Andreas Ludwig Priwin to a Jewish family in Berlin. In 1939, he and his family emigrated to the United States to escape the Nazis.
Becoming a naturalised American in 1943, he enjoyed success composing music in Hollywood, winning four Oscars, 10 Grammys and a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy.
He was best known for his work on films such as My Fair Lady, Kismet, Porgy And Bess and Paint Your Wagon.
He was married five times, including, for a period, to the actress Mia Farrow.
Farrow, who had seven children with Previn, including two adopted children, paid tribute to him on Twitter, writing: “See you in the Morning beloved Friend. May you rest in glorious symphonies.”
He continued to release music into his eighties and in 2008 was handed the Gramophone lifetime achievement award for his work in classical, film and jazz music.
In 2007, Previn released his final recorded work, Alone: Ballads For Solo Piano, which peaked at number eight in the Billboard jazz albums chart.
In recognition of his work with the LSO, he was invited to become conductor laureate in 1993, a position he held until 2016.
He was then invited to take up the newly created post of conductor emeritus – a role he held until he died.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
