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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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Thank you for your music and your generous sharing of your wisdom. May you rest in peace and rise in glory. Servant of God, well done.
James Lally
Sir Stephen's time at King's will go down in its history as one of the most formative and important eras for its world-famous choir. As well as serving the male-voice choir with such dedication, Stephen oversaw the formation of a mixed-voice choir - an initiative for which I will always be grateful, having enjoyed hours of singing (and learning about singing!) in the Chapel as a result. I remember with fondness and enormous respect all the music-making I heard, watched or took part in during his time in post and am hugely grateful for all I learnt along the way. A musical maestro, gone far too soon.
Alice König (née Weeks)
Music for a while transformed into splendid eternity. Your fine brilliance and glorious inspiration lifted so many students up when visiting Evensongs during so many dark hours during as much bleak winters. Eternal grace for a life dedicated to music & humanity. A man for all seasons is now conducting the choir of Angels. Thanks for everyting, Sir Stephen.
Filip Saelens
So sad to hear of Stephen's death. He was an inspiration to those who sang, played an instrument, or who like me just enjoyed their music without having any great talent. Many happy memories of school days in Worcester with Stephen and brother Nicholas, and the lifetime's legacy we received from Harry Bramma in particular. May Stephen rest in peace.
Revd Christopher Jones
Thank you for making the world more beautiful. May you “Sing with all the Saints in glory.”
Matthew D. O’Rear
I did not know Sir Stephen personally. However, whilst at King’s College School, Cambridge, I always remember seeing him with a smile and a spring in his step whenever he went to the old chorister block for choir practice. This enthusiasm never appeared to fade, demonstrating the passion he had for his profession and for helping others. This reminds me of how important it is to pursue one’s passion in life and to strive to be the best version of oneself. My thoughts are with Sir Stephen’s family at this difficult time.
Omar El-Halawani
The Herbert Howells Society, of which Sir Stephen was President, is tremendously grateful for all his support over many years in promoting the music of the composer. His last recording from King’s before his retirement was a highly praised 2 volume CD of Howells’ choral, organ and orchestral music. He was a generous host to members of the Society on many occasions and a great help to those running the Society. He will be greatly missed. Dr Martin Neary LVO, Chairman, Herbert Howells Society
Andrew Millinger
Rest peacefully Sir and may God comfort the bereaved family.
Nii Kometey Ashong
I last visited Kings with the Norfolk Organists Association where your Organ Scholar demonstrated the wonderful organ. We were privileged to sit in the chapel listen to your rehearsal for Evensong which we also attended. The experience will never leave me and personally your music and the atmosphere generated by the music genuinely brought me closer to God. Listening to your choir year in year out and the high standards of musicality especially with such young boys is an inspiration. We are so lucky your inspiration is reflected in your previous organ scholar Ashley Grote here in Norwich. Your legacy will live on for ever.
Mathew R Martin
I feel so sad at this news of his death. His musical career has been my greatest motivation in my musical journey. I had hope of meeting him someday and sharing in his vast musical knowledge. He was not only loved by his own, we in Ghana really loved and admired his musical ingenuity. It's really a sad time but we know that Dr. Stephen is in the arms of God and with fond thoughts we shall carry in l our hearts all the amazing experiences he shared with us whiles he was alive. My condolence to the bereaved family. Rest well Dr. Stephen Cleobury, till we meet again.
Michael Padmore Ako Adjei Jnr (Ghana)
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