The composer and conductor John Williams has been writing film scores for almost 60 years. His credits include Jaws, Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones and Harry Potter. Recently he dismissed thoughts of retirement saying “Senior musicians often say they’re more in love with music the older they get. The longer they do it the more music gives its rewards.” Though he is not in the list of nominations for an Oscar this year, for the first time since 1994, he is still hard at work. He has been nominated a record 45 times and won five in the past. He was conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra for 12 years until 1993 and he is currently working on the score for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull which is due for worldwide release in May. John Williams is 76 today. RGT
David Bramson, senior partner, Nabarro Nathanson, 1995-2001, 66; Professor Dame Averil Cameron, warden, Keble College, Oxford, 68; Rachel Cusk, author, 41; Sir David Elliott, director general (Internal Market), General Secretariat of the Council of European Union, 1991-95, 78; Osian Ellis, harpist, 80; John Grisham, author, 53; Baroness Howe of Idlicote, chairman, Broadcasting Standards Commission, 1997-99, 76; Professor Ann Lambton, Emeritus Professor of Persian, London University, 96; Murray Lawrence, chairman, Lloyd’s, 1988-90, 73; Morag Macdonald, company secretary, Post Office, 1985-94, 61; Sir Francis McWilliams, conciliator and arbitrator, and Lord Mayor of London, 1992-93, 82; Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, 99; Dr June Paterson-Brown, chief commissioner, Girl Guides Association, 1985-90, 76; Dame Laurie Salas, UN worker, 86; G.J. Strowger, managing director, Thorn Electrical Industries, 1970-79, 92; the Rev Dr John Tudor, superintendent minister, Westminster Central Hall, 1981-95, 78.