JN Entertainment

on holiday in the southwest of France, and
consequently I allowed myself to enjoy the
holiday without feeling I had to attend
to things. I left the holiday very refreshed.

Q: Why did you decide to stop man-
aging your husband's career?

A: Everything just got too big, and it be-
came impossible for me to do all of that.
They still consult with me, but before I
used to organize the concerts and the con-
cert tours. David's business manager is
Austin Prichard-Levy, who has been a
friend of ours for 15 years. David's Amer-
ican concerts are being planned in con-
junction with Richard Frankel.

Q: Does your husband like to meet
with fans after a concert?

A: Oh, yes. He can't sign autographs be-
cause he did that at one concert and had
problems with his hands, but he's very
happy to give people a big hug instead.

Q: Does your husband feel any
special ties to the Jewish commu-
nity because of the support given

him when he was a youngster?

A: David's attitude toward his Jewishness,
as I mention in my book, has certainly
changed. He was ashamed of being Jew-
ish for a number of reasons when I met
him. But now he has far greater ease with
it and gratitude for the support that has
been given.
Mrs. Luber-Smith, who's mentioned in
the book and was influential in helping
David go to London, flew a great distance
to be at David's recital in the Sydney
Opera House. David was just so delight-
ed to see her there. He also had contact
with the Jewish community in London
and had some lovely reunions in June with
the people who helped him when he was
there to study.

Q: Does your husband ever play mu-
sic with Jewish themes?

A: He certainly listens to it and finds,
through the music, that he remembers be-
ing in the synagogue as a child. He finds
it very moving and beautiful.

Q: Have you made any other trips to

David and Gillian Helfgott: Fame and success beyond all expectations.

Israel besides the one described in
the book?

A: No, but we've had a number of invita-
tions, and we really hope we can go there
in June of next year. We just haven't had
time to set anything down. We'll get there
next year at some stage.

Q: Does your husband observe his re-
ligion in any way?

A: No, he doesn't, but now he does affirm
a belief in God, which he didn't when I met
him. It's been wonderful to hear him say
this. When we do get an opportunity to
have some quieter time, I think he will re-
vert to enjoy the synagogue again.

Q: Do you practice any religion?

A: I have been of the Anglican faith, the
Church of England. I also studied Chris-
tian Science for 10 years and (faiths) in
India. I guess you could say I have a very
broad base.

Q: What are your activities away fro
music?

A: We have great joy in swimming to-
gether and entertaining people in our
home. When we're at home, we have a din-
ner party at least once a week. David loves
playing for the guests and talking with
them.

Q: What would you like people to
think about as they watch your hus-
band perform?

A: I'd like them to come to the concert with
a very open heart and mind. If they do
that, they invariably go away filled with
such a sense of joy and love and beauty
from the music, which is what David hopes
to give. ❑

Da.vid Helfgott will perform at 7
p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at the Detroit
Opera House. For information, call
(313) 874-7850, Gillian Helfgott will
sign copies ocher book, Love You to Bits
and Pieces, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept_
6, at Borders, Southfield at 13 Mile,
Birmingham. For information, call
(248) 6444515.