At this time of year David Sonin, our highly-regarded classical music critic, would be in his element, reporting on the growing excellence of the Ham&High Festival, looking forward to the Proms at St Jude s and perhaps wondering if he might give one of t

At this time of year David Sonin, our highly-regarded classical music critic, would be in his element, reporting on the growing excellence of the Ham&High Festival, looking forward to the Proms at St Jude's and perhaps wondering if he might give one of the better Kenwood concerts a try, in the company of his charming and talented wife, Gillian.

But David died on Tuesday, and without his kindly words of praise and encouragement laced with finely-judged criticisms, the local musical world will be a poorer place.

It seems inconceivable that a major musical event could take place in these parts in his absence. Music critics don't expect to be liked, but few I've known have been held in such high esteem. David loved his music as much as he loved life itself - and the music world loved him back. We'll miss this marvellous man.