Olli Ahvenlahti, the late Ronnie Hazlehurt, the victorious Sven Olof Walldoff and the mighty Anders Berglund are just some of the great conductors from Eurovision's past...
Today we raise a baton in memory of Irish Eurovision conductor Noel Kelehan who sadly died today aged 76.
Ever present, Noel conducted many a Eurovision winner!
In 1996, we recall watching a SKY TV documentary: It’s a killer – Eurovision Song Contest Oslo 1996 – Behind the scenes.
NRK had suggested that the conductors wear miner's hats with lights on, Noel was having none of it!
NRK had also threatened to cut the camera shot of the 3 second conductor bow and count in, Noel was having none of it!
Together with Anders Berglund and Olli Ahvenlahti he threatened strike action...
Listening to The Voice of Noel Kelehan, NRK gave the conductors another 3 seconds of fame.
Between 1966 and 1998 Noel conducted Ireland 24 times! Unfortunately in 1997, Noel was ill and unable to conduct the RTÉ Concert Orchestra at The Point, Dublin.
Birmingham 1998 saw the last appearance of the orchestra and with it many familiar faces. Here is Noel's final moment... he knew it was always over now...
A slight nod and a sad turn...
No need for a baton...
Nor headphones...
Noel was a traditionalist clearly not impressed with the swanky BBC music stand.
Cue a dramatic finger point for the BBC Concert Orchestra's cassette player turn oner to press play for the backing track to start...
An end of an era - Is always over now.
Is always over now - Dawn Martin
Text och musik: Gerry Morgan.
Noel Kelehan
26-12-35 to 6-2-12
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