Page 693 - Liverpool Philharmonic 22-23 Season Coverage Book
P. 693
7 November 2022
Atarah Ben-Tovim obituary
Orchestral flautist who inspired generations of children with her
innovative approach to music education
Atarah Ben-Tovim encouraging her pupils at her music centre in Haslingden, Lancashire, in
1978. Photograph: Ray Green/The Observer
June Emerson
The flautist and teacher Atarah Ben-Tovim, who has died aged 82 of cancer, was for 13
years the principal flute of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, before opening
up the world of music to young people as the presenter of hundreds of children’s
concerts with her group Atarah’s Band in the 1970s and 80s. She also made radio and
TV programmes and wrote books on music education.
Bounding with energy, Atarah radiated enthusiasm for people, flute playing and music
teaching, and could capture a crowded auditorium by merely appearing on the stage
and holding out her arms. Children loved her, and many of today’s professional players
attest that they were first hooked on classical music by attending one of her concerts.
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