The classical music community was saddened yesterday (July 2nd) to hear of the death of broadcaster Norman Pellegrini, aged 79.

Mr Pellegrini joined Chicago-based classical and fine arts radio station WFMT when it launched in 1951 and became the station's programme director two years later.

He was renowned for his passion for music and high standards of quality, which helped to establish WFMT as the city's premier classical station.

Mr Pellegrini also hosted the radio series for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Lyric Opera of Chicago and he continued to produce programmes for WFMT even after his departure in 1996.

In the station's obituary to the broadcaster, WFMT's general manager Steve Robinson commented: "Over the decades, many have admired and praised the station's programming for its diversity, richness, breadth and integrity.

"All of those elements, and so much more, are Norm's legacy and we honour him today and every day by our devotion to maintaining the standards he set so high."