World news story

British Embassy hosts film-themed musical extravaganza

Father and son duo entertain Vientiane audience as pianist Sacha Puttnam plays the themes from his father’s films, acclaimed film producer Lord Puttnam.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government
Sacha Puttnam

Sacha Puttnam plays to audience in Vientiane

The British Embassy hosted an evening of music and film entitled “Puttnam plays Puttnam” to celebrate the accolades of visiting film producer David Puttnam and his son, pianist Alexander ‘Sacha’ Puttnam.

Held in conjunction with the German Embassy in Laos, the Puttnam duo delighted an audience of over 100 people in Laos’ capital of Vientiane. Playing on piano, Sacha Puttnam performed renditions from his newly released classical album “Puttnam plays Puttnam“ featuring theme songs from his father’s best-loved films. Film producer Lord Puttnam introduced each piece of music with a short film narrative. The evening’s programme included songs from award-winning films The Mission, The Killing Fields, Local Hero and Chariots of Fire.

David Puttnam spent thirty years as an independent producer of award-winning films. His films have won ten Oscars, 25 British Academy of Film and Television Arts awards and the Palme D’Or at Cannes. He retired from film production in 1998 to focus on his work in public policy, concentrating on education, the environment, and the creative and communications industries.

British Embassy Vientiane hosts film-themed musical extravaganza

British Embassy Vientiane hosts film-themed musical extravaganza

His son, composer, conductor and pianist Sacha Puttnam studied music at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and at the Moscow Conservatory. He also composes his own music and arranges for film, television, radio and games as well as for several groups and ensembles.

Sacha Puttnam recently accompanied his father Lord Puttnam on his third official visit to Laos in his capacity as the UK’s Trade Envoy for Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Burma to promote British trade interests and promote bilateral trade and investment and other links.

Published 20 October 2014