Former Radio 3 controller dies

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Former BBC Radio 3 controller, Proms boss and Edinburgh International Festival director Sir John Drummond has died at the age of 71.

BBC Radio and Music chief Jenny Abramsky, current Radio 3 controller Roger Wright, and Proms boss Nicholas Kenyon paid tribute to Sir John.

The trio described him as "one of the great cultural figures of our time and a defender of excellence in the arts".

The Radio 3 60th anniversary concert will be dedicated to his memory.

Ms Abramsky, Mr Wright and Mr Kenyon added: "He upheld the highest standards and fought constantly to ensure that classical music and dance kept their place at the centre of our cultural life.

"He was fiercely committed to the cause of new music and an adventurous repertoire, and during his time the BBC Proms became a truly international festival of great orchestras, a beacon for the BBC's commitment to cultural patronage.

"He was a commanding personality, a great impresario and a valued colleague for countless artists and performers. He will be much missed by them and by the whole of our cultural life."