We are very sad to have to bring news of the death of Noel Periton at the age of 81.

Noel was the son of Britten’s accountant and one of his executors, Leslie Periton, who was a great help to Imogen Holst in setting up the Holst Foundation. Noel gradually took over both of his roles during the 1970s, and became a founder trustee of the Britten-Pears Foundation in 1986. He worked tirelessly for both Foundations, and brought to them an acute understanding of their complex financial arrangements.

By the time of Britten’s centenary in 2013 Noel had largely withdrawn from involvement in core Britten affairs, but remained a vital part of the independent Britten trusts, the Will Trust and The Red House Fund. He also offered helpful advice during the transition to Britten Pears Arts in 2019 – 20.

Noel remained indispensable to the Holst Foundation until ill health over the past two years meant that he had to wind down his work. His was an invariably cheerful personality, and someone with whom it was a pleasure to work. He will be much missed.

Colin Matthews

Main image: Noel and Heather Periton, on the right, talking to architect Robert Wilson at the official opening of the extension to the Britten Pears Library, Aldeburgh, 12 June 1993.
Nigel Luckhurst © Britten Pears Arts