Paul Strang, who passed away from cancer at the age of 91, practiced law in London for over 50 years. However, he was also the driving force behind numerous notable musical endeavors.
As the chair of my ensemble, The Songmakers’ Almanac, Paul organized 20 seasons of song recitals at Wigmore Hall in London starting in the 1970s. He was instrumental in establishing a practical rehearsal space for orchestras at Henry Wood Hall. Additionally, he played a key role in the relocation of Trinity College of Music to Greenwich in 2002, where it became known as Trinity Laban Conservatoire.
Paul’s influence extended beyond these initiatives. He served as chair of the Tillett Trust, supporting promising young musicians, and held various other musical leadership roles throughout his life.
Born in London, Paul was the son of soprano Dora Labbette, who was divorced, and conductor Sir Thomas Beecham, who was married to his first wife, Utica, at the time. When World War II broke out, Beecham departed for the United States. After the couple’s contentious split, six-year-old Paul took the surname of Dora’s former husband.
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