The flautist and teacher Atarah Ben-Tovim, who has died aged 82 of cancer, was for 13 years the principal flute of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, before opening up the world of music to young people as the presenter of hundreds of children’s concerts with her group Atarah’s Band in the 1970s and 80s. She also made radio and TV programmes and wrote books on music education.
Bounding with energy, Atarah radiated enthusiasm for people, flute playing and music teaching, and could capture a crowded auditorium by merely appearing on the stage and holding out her arms. Children loved her, and many of today’s professional players attest that they were first hooked on classical music by attending one of her concerts.
