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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.

 


 

I remember Tuesday evensongs with great affection at Westminster Abbey when I was a young chorister. ALL the copies were ‘marked up’ ready for everyone in the choir. No excuses for anyone to be taking a breath at the wrong time. I trust you’ll have someone to do this for you now! RIP
David Porter-Thomas
I was so saddened to hear of Stephen's passing. He was the most generous of men. Even though he was always so busy (understandably so) giving beautiful music to the world he always had the time to respond personally to letters. My love of singing and choral and church music is purely down to him - I have sung all over the world but I always took 'Kings' with me wherever I went. Thank you, Stephen, for all you did for music, the choristers and people in general. Christmas won't be quite the same ever again. May you rest in eternal peace and know that you were much loved and will never, ever be forgotten.
Jo Adams
I will always remember both your teaching and your kindness. Thank you for the music!
Jonathan Dowell
Your beautiful music inspired so much joy for so many people and I will always fondly remember seeing the King's Choir perform live during the 2017 North America tour. Thank you for everything.
Ian Dailey
I am so grateful for the music you brought to the world. Your commitment to expressive singing, interpretation, and artistry was profound. Through your teaching and conducting you pushed your singers not only to sing with beautiful tone, but to be engaged and committed to singing with musicality and purpose. Works came alive under your direction. I am thankful for your help in making the world a more beautiful place. My deepest condolences to your family, friends, colleagues, and students. Rest In Peace, Sir.
Andrew Morgan
As a life-long admirer of all that the choir at King's has brought to the world of choral music, and of Stephen Cleobury's immense contribution to that tradition, and also as an amateur singer who had the thrill and privilege of singing in the Summer Music Festival choir in the chapel three times under his direction, I would like to pass on my very sincere condolences to his family at their untmely loss. A fine musician and in conversation a courteous and delightful man with whom to deal. He will be long remembered and admired.
Graham Todd
So sorry to hear of your passing. Your musicianship gave many so much joy.
Fiona Enright
As is widely known, C.S. Lewis, Aldous Huxley, and John F. Kennedy all died on the same day, November 22, 1963. Fifty-six years later, we can now add a fourth modern luminary who also died on Nov. 22: our beloved Sir Stephen Cleobury. May he rest in peace.
John Bowne
Thank you for the years of sublime music from king's and the joy it gave to so many people. Rest in eternal peace
Peter Maxwell-Brown
The secure message of keeping music to beauty inclined is of the inner sanctum to hearing (anything) overall & then correctly.
Fran Drummond Moray
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