Dear Friends,
We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr Jim Hunter, Kelvingrove’s Honorary Director of Music.
Jim was made an Honorary Friend of FoGM in recognition of his wonderful work at Kelvingrove and the generous assistance he gave our society over the years in all things musical. To celebrate our 75th Anniversary in 2019, Jim composed and gifted us our own air, ‘The Friends of Glasgow Museums’, and this beautiful tune has been performed and enjoyed at many FoGM events and celebrations since.
Jim was also a great champion of young musicians and curated an unforgettable Glasgow 850 recital for FoGM in 2025, featuring the prodigious talents of Finlay and Angus Donohoe, aged 12 and 10 respectively. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to support the Donohoe boys in the early stages of musical careers which Jim had absolutely no doubt would be stellar. In appreciation, FoGM also made a donation towards the upkeep of the magnificent Kelvingrove Organ of which Jim was de facto custodian.
As a result of Jim’s imaginative stewardship and immaculate programming, the world-renowned Kelvingrove Organ has become the beating heart of the gallery, playing host to musicians of the very highest calibre who give virtuoso lunchtime recitals, free of charge, every day of the week – what a priceless gift to Glasgow and its visitors.
We were extremely privileged to have had Dr Jim Hunter as an Honorary Friend. On behalf of FoGM I extend our sincerest sympathies to Jim’s family. He will be greatly missed by us all.
Caroline Robertson