THE life and legacy of ground-breaking Anglo-Indian composer John Mayer is to be explored by community groups in Hillingdon with the help of a £69,300 National Lottery grant.

Born in Calcutta in 1930, he trained in Western and Indian classical music and won a scholarship to study at the Royal Academy.

He performed as a violinist with both the London and Royal Philharmonic Orchestras and, from the early 1950s, pioneered a new style of composition, merging Western and Hindustani traditions and laying the groundwork for fusion music.

It still inspires musicians today, predating better-known fusion pieces by The Beatles and Ravi Shankar. He died in 2004.

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Arts and education charity Pandit Ram Sahai Sangeet Viyalaya will digitise music and items from Mayer’s personal and family collections for an online archive.

Supported by Hillingdon’s Music Hub and Museums Service, a touring exhibition and learning programme will be created for people to learn about Mayer’s life and work.

Mayer’s son, musician Jonathan Mayer, will lead workshops at schools, as well as sessions for the public.

Jonathan Mayer said: “"Our household was always full of music. As I grew older and started studying music I became aware of my Dad's input to British music which all started in the 1950s.

“He has contributed to classical, jazz and pop genres which can be heard in many works, so I feel honoured to be able to share my father's work with the community of Hillingdon and beyond."

Stuart Hobley, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund London, said: “We’re keen to talk to other heritage projects in Hillingdon about how we can support them to explore different aspects of the borough’s rich history.”