For much of his life, Richard Chester was a key figure in Scottish orchestra and musical education.
He was known by all for his enthusiasm and commitment to teaching.
Having once been a player himself with the Scottish National Orchestra, he later became chief executive of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland (Nyos).
Percussionist Colin Currie has fond memories of Mr Chester, who has died.
He said: “Richard carried himself with such dignity, but I always found him very approachable.
“Even when I first auditioned for Nyos at 13, I felt like I was taken very seriously and respected.
“He treated everyone with the same courtesy and consideration and that will be one of his hallmarks.”
Mr Chester grew up in Yorkshire and was educated at Royal Academy of Music in London.
Following his graduation, he moved to Scotland in 1967 where he joined the Scottish National Orchestra and for 14 years was its principal flautist.
In 1987 he left to take the reins at the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, initially as administrator before latterly taking on the role as chief executive.
Mr Chester was keen for young Scottish musicians to receive international recognition by organising overseas tours, as well as being a founder member of the European Federation of National Youth Orchestras and the World Federation of Amateur Orchestras.
He was in that role for 20 years, enabling him to create opportunities for many young musicians by introducing the Jazz Orchestra.
His vision for the Nyos is what is said to have made it the “unique, robust and accessible organisation it is today”.
Chief executive and artistic director Nick Žekulin said he “had the utmost admiration and respect” for Mr Chester.
Mr Žekulin said: “Richard Chester was a giant in everything he did. A fiercely intelligent man and a visionary, he had an impact on the lives of so many young people in Scotland.
“Generations of musicians have spoken of the guidance and generosity they received from him. He will be sadly missed.”
After retiring as chief executive, he went on to become chairman of the Nyos Endowment Trust until 2019.
Next year, the organisation will celebrate 25 years of both the Children’s Orchestra (now Junior Orchestra) and Jazz education and performance at Nyos.
It was hoped the event would mark the impact Mr Chester had on Nyos, but organisers have said they are “deeply saddened that this celebration will now be in his memory”.
