When and where was Donald Swann born?
Donald Ibrahim Swann entered the world on the 30th of September 1923 in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire. His parents were refugees who fled the Russian Revolution to find safety abroad.
Questions about Donald Swann
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Why did Donald Swann register as a conscientious objector during World War II?
Swann held Quaker beliefs which made him a pacifist during the height of World War II. He chose instead to serve with the Friends Ambulance Unit throughout Egypt, Palestine and Greece.
What musical works did Donald Swann create alongside his comedy partnership with Michael Flanders?
Swann composed music for several operas including a full-length version of C. S. Lewis's Perelandra. He also set J. R. R. Tolkien's poems from The Lord of the Rings to music in The Road Goes Ever On song cycle.
Who produced the albums At The Drop of a Hat and At The Drop of Another Hat by Donald Swann and Michael Flanders?
George Martin produced several albums including the 1959 release of At The Drop of a Hat. A second album called At The Drop of Another Hat appeared in 1964 also produced by Martin.
When and where did Donald Swann die after being diagnosed with cancer?
Donald Swann died at Trinity Hospice in South London on the 23rd of March 1994 after being diagnosed with cancer in 1992. His address from 1961 until death was 13 Albert Bridge Road, London SW11.