RIP

Classical composer Sir John Tavener has died, aged 69. A leading composer since his early 20s, he had suffered numerous health issues relating to Marfan Syndrome, a disorder of the body's connective tissues, which can cause heart problems. Widespread tributes included words fro HRH The Prince of Wales and fellow composer John Rutter told BBC Radio 3 that Sir John, known for his spiritual music, "was absolutely touched by genius at every point". James Rushton, managing director of Sir John's publisher Chester Music, described him as "one of the unique and most inspired voices in music of the last 50 years". Sir John premiered three works at the Manchester International Festival this summer, The premiere of his latest work, Three Shakespeare Sonnets, scheduled to take place at Southwark Cathedral the week he died. Soprano Patricia Rozario said: "He really connected with our humanity, and people from all walks of life and different areas.

Arne Worsoe had died aged 72. Arne had been struggling with cancer for several years. Arne was the head of ICO Concerts in Denmark, and one of the originators of the modern live business.

Heinz Krassnitzer, a member of the Jazz Fest Wien team and Live Performance Service, based in Vienna, Austria, has died, aged 60. Krassnitzer was a jazz aficionado and first started organising concerts in the 1970s at the Technical University in Vienna. 

British music industry veteran and former BPI Council member Harry Maloney has died after a long battle with cancer. Maloney worked in both artist and label management through his long career. Starting out in artist management in the early 1970s, he worked with the likes of Manfred Mann's Earth Band, Uriah Heep and Eddie & The Hot Rods. He moved into the label side of things by joining BMG in 1993, and later became Chairman of music distributor the Apex Music Group. he retired from the BPI Council this year.

The artist Martin Sharp was died aged 71. Martin created some of the most celebrated images from the 1960s including album covers for Cream and iconic posters for the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan and Donovan. Martin was also a founder and art director of Oz magazine.