Con managers rip off top classical music maestro
Queen’s composer deprived of £447,000
In a misappropriation case, managers of a leading classical musician and composer are charged with stealing a sum of four hundred and forty-seven thousand pounds. They had been funding online gaming activities at unidentified sites. This was widely reported by dedicated music industry press and The Times Online.
The 70-plus conmen Michael and Judith Arnold served the seventy-four-year-old Sir Peter Maxwell Davies for over three decades handling his dealings. The well- known maestro so trusted the two he did precious little at supervision and even consecrated some works to them. By the time he found his substantial revenues disappearing, he was left penniless.
Sir Peter likely to get sole rights
Unable to concentrate following the dishonesty and losses, he moved a civil plea in the High Court. This led to a considerable civil resolution. However, a criminal case is awaited after a police inquiry of the conmen’s actions against Sir Peter’s company, Max Opus. The firm was one of the first to have classical music download Internet sites. He launched the service in 1999, with the Arnolds being made directors in the year 2000. The settlement is likely to involve Sir Peter having sole ownership.
The Arnolds, accused of stealing four hundred and forty-seven thousand pounds, have got bail. They will appear before magistrates in West London on November third.
Declining to comment, Sir Peter said he was pleased this long-winded mess is at last ending. He was willing to give evidence in court if necessary.
Unhappiness made him dry up
He said unhappiness had made him stop writing for 6 weeks. However, you have to go ahead. It was tough because he did not have finances and had to borrow ten or twenty pounds from people even for regular needs. Now the payments are flowing in, it is great, he added.
Sir Peter’s friends said he had been through turbulent times. To see one of the best composers of the last two hundred years being unable to pen anything because of fund problems was awful, a friend said early in 2008. The crazy part was Max had no clue he had made so much money. A genius, his only interest was writing.
Sir Peter has conducted the best orchestras, including the BBC Philharmonic and Royal Philharmonic. The post of Master of the Queen’s Music, dating from the seventeenth century, has no fixed duties. He could be told to compose pieces for royal or state occasions. Sir Peter was appointed for a 10-year period. Born in Manchester in 1934, he has composed and published over two hundred pieces. He was knighted in 1987.