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Condolence Book

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It is with great sadness that King’s College has learned of the death of Sir Stephen Cleobury. Following a long illness, Stephen died peacefully in the late evening of 22 November – the feast day of St Cecilia, patron saint of music and musicians – in York, where he had lived since his retirement in September.

You are welcome to submit a message of condolence here, which will be reviewed before publishing.

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Sincere sadness at the passing of Sir Stephen. A huge loss to the world of church music. Thoughts are with his wife and family at this time.
Colin J Robertson - Organist, Church of Scotland.
Thank you Sir Stephen, you gave us much grace and depth of knowledge. My condolences to family and friends, I wish you strength and peace at this time. With sincere gratitude, Louise Carruthers
Louise Carruthers
We are admire Sir Stephen Cleobury. Thank you for music. When I was a kid, I saw king ’s college Nine lessons & carols that made me love choral music and working on music. 37 years that is great work. Rest In Peace
Oliver Terry SHI
My sympathies for your loss. The beauty of his music will endure and continue to delight, comfort, and astound.
Tim Flynn
Thank you so much for the pleasure you have given us over so many years. King's College Choir under your direction have long been the start of our Christmas celebrations. You are sadly missed. From Sue and Martin Hallows, Richmond, North Yorkshire.
Susan Hallows
So truly saddened to hear of Sir Cleobury’s passing. He was such an inspiration to me, an undergraduate organ student. His legacy will live on for ages to come. Sincere condolences, Grant Holcomb, student at the University of Kentucky
Grant Holcomb
It was with great saddness I received the word of the passing of Sir Stephen. His music, and his stewardship of the priceless treasure of the King's College Chapel Choir, will make him one of the greats of all time in British music. Thank you for your gifts, shared with us around the world. May you rest in peace in the presence of our Lord and God.
Thomas R. Clark-Jones
The church music world has lost one of its brightest stars. I feel blessed to have met Sir Stephen on numerous occasions. We had lovely chats about our mutual career choice. He was always gracious, kind and very funny. Godkeep you, Stephen. May you rest in peace and rise in Glory. Amen.
Elizabeth Lucas
Recording Easter At Kings for BBC2 television brought life full circle for Sir Stephen Cleobury and me. 17 years ago, I sang Mascagni’s Easter Hymn in my first professional engagement as an opera singer, my public debut, at Kings, and this year we returned to it again, for his last Easter at the helm of King’s College Choir, alongside a live broadcast on BBC Radio 3 of Verdi’s Requiem on Good Friday. It has been my privilege to be conducted by him a numerous times over the years, and I have valued his musical guidance and friendship enormously. Quite simply, I wouldn’t be a singer today without his encouragement and support. It was he who promised me I wouldn’t regret leaving behind my career at the Bar to sing, and coached me for my audition for the Royal College Of Music, where I later studied. What a debt of gratitude I owe him, and what a huge loss to our community. My condolences to Emma and his children, who have lost a beloved husband and father. Vale, Sir Stephen Cleobury. And thank you.
Jennifer Johnston
Pie Jesu, Domine, dona eis Requiem, sempiternam Requiem.... Grace, Mercy, Strength, and Peace be with Sir Stephen's family, and his larger family at Kings, and around the world. I remember sitting at my office desk on Dec. 24, 1982; listening to the first broadcast of Lessons and Carols ever carried by American Public Media via Minnesota and Iowa Public Radio, and shedding tears of great joy and hope. Sir Stephen's work with the Choir, and Organ over the last 37 years has been, and is one of the greatest resources ever. Musically, Culturally, and Educationally, great things have been achieved. And for us teachers and makers of music here in the USA, his gifts were multiplied. The children in my parish choirs, and more recently, my choir students in public school, have received countless benefits due to the recordings available. I believe that especially the boy students in my groups found new support for their own singing, which many have told me that they didn't have before. It's been a joy to see and hear them grow in confidence. Thank you Sir Stephen! Be at peace and joy. Pastor Ken Suetterlin, UMC (retired) Marshalltown, Iowa.
Kenneth D. Suetterlin (USA)
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History of the Choir

This is the full history of the Choir of King's College, from its early origins...
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Recordings

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Choir and Music

The music of King’s College Chapel is as well-known as the building itself, and depends...
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Director of Music Fund

To commemorate legacy of Sir Stephen Cleobury, who served as an exceptional Director of Music...
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