The Swiss Global Artistic Foundation regrets to announce the recent death of one of its honoured Patrons, Sir Jack Lyons, and extends its deepest sympathies to his widow, Lady Roslyn, also a committed Patron.
Sir Jack Lyons will long be remembered not only for his charming and affable personality, but for his lifelong passion for music and the arts. Among his many achievements as an organiser, donor and fundraiser, he chaired the Shakespeare Exhibition in Stratford-on-Avon during the quatercentenary of the playwright’s birth, chaired the Leeds Musical Festival (in his home town), was joint founder of the Leeds International Piano Competition and trust chairman of the London Symphony Orchestra. He had the esteemed significance of being the first non-musician Honorary Member of the LSO. Additionally, he was a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal Society of Arts.
Deeply supportive of Swiss Global, Sir Jack Lyons led to the Foundation’s valued connection with the University of York, England. At York he had funded the construction of the Concert Hall and Music School which now bear his name, and which also served as venues for several Swiss Global events in recent years. The Royal Academy of Music was also touched by his generosity, and likewise named its theatre after him.