A Prussian Requiem by John Powell received its premiere at the Royal Festival Hall on Sunday night, part of a First World War commemoration concert. The British composer, who lives and works in Hollywood, notified the Philharmonia Orchestra that he was unable to attend. His wife, photographer Melinda Lerner, was seriously ill. The performance of the oratorio, conducted by Jose Serebrier, was moving and impressive. You can hear extracts here. Next morning, perfomers were told that Melinda had died half an hour after the final notes. She was 41. Our sympathies to John, and to their son. photo by Melinda Lerner