Condolence Book

To the familie of Stephen Cleobury , With great sadness we learned of the death of Stephen. Not knowing hè was a long time ill. We think with great warms to Stephen, just in these days so close before the yearly Festifal. Happy Christmas/New Year, P.Rubsamen

I have long enjoyed the choral music from King’s College Cambridge and on this penultimate evening before this year’s Festival I am saddened to learn of the passing of Sir Stephen Cleobury. His is a legacy for the ages and he will be in the thoughts of many as this year’s service commences. His successor Daniel Hyde is an excellent musician and will have an excellent legacy to build upon.

We spend the afternoon of every Christmas Eve listening to and being inspired by the wonderful music of the Kings College. Despite not being religious, it was a spiritual experience. Thank you Sir Stephen, your influence will continue for many years to come.

I had the privilege of working with Stephen for five years as Head of King’s College School. His vast musical knowledge, capacity for taking pains over every detail (including my punctuation), dedication to the choir and ability to develop get the best out of the choristers was incredibly impressive. He never missed an opportunity to work, even reading Grove for the whole of a flight from the USA, and to study scores. After Brendel gave a concert he pointed out to me that he had struck a single wrong note in the whole of his programme! It is incredibly sad that he didn’t get to enjoy a well-earned retirement but I’m sure he would have continued to be very active in music, so strong was his work ethic. He will be greatly missed by all lovers of the Choir and music in general and what a marvellous education in music he gave his choristers, choral and organ Scholars.