Tributes to Guardian music critic Andrew Clements after his passing

Andrew Clements, a long-serving music critic for the Guardian, has died, colleagues and composers said, prompting a string of tributes to his work and influence in contemporary classical music. Those who paid tribute described Clements as a critic of deep knowledge, independence and integrity who championed new music with rigour and warmth.

Composer Mark-Anthony Turnage said Clements had supported his music early in his career and that, in Turnage’s view, Clements’ last article singled out his opera Festen for praise. George Benjamin called him "perhaps the most remarkable critical voice of our age," and Steve Reich described him as "an outstandingly honest and perceptive critic." Pierre‑Laurent Aimard praised his clarity of judgment, independence and "insatiable curiosity." Colleagues noted Clements’ steady presence across Britain’s music life and festivals.

John Gilhooly of Wigmore Hall recalled him as a regular audience member whose reviews could reflect ecstatic admiration by an evening’s end. Others, including Nicholas Kenyon and Meurig Bowen, said his writings kept institutions on their toes and that he travelled to cover premieres and festivals such as Cheltenham.

Many mourned the loss to the field and pointed to the lasting value of his criticism.

Key Topics

Culture, Andrew Clements, Mark-anthony Turnage, George Benjamin, Wigmore Hall, Cheltenham Music Festival