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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 was honored to celebrate two of my birthdays with Sir Stephen, quite without his foreknowledge. My first trip to Cambridge, indeed to England, was over the 1991 Easter holiday, the first time Easter had ever fallen on my birthday during my lifetime, at the age of 22. I sat between the choir and the high altar of the chapel of King's, and was moved to tears by the choir's rendition of Mozart's Missa Brevis in F, K. 192. I recalled later that it was during that liturgy, and that sublime music, that I first was called to a career and ministry in church music, thinking then, "I could do this...". I began graduate study in organ performance and choral conducting in 1994, and returned to London 1998-9 to continue my organ studies with Anne Marsden Thomas. Anne organized a master class with Sir Stephen coaching several of her students. I played Herbert Howells's Paean to him that day, and after some kind comments, he told me in good humor that he wouldn't ever have taken it at such a clip. When I introduced myself, I told him that we were spending my birthday together for the second time, the master class falling on my 30th birthday, 31 March 1999. He was a gentle man, and an exacting and sensitive musician. The world is much richer for the music he shared with us for so many decades. May he sing, play, and conduct on before the throne of God for ages to come.
Christian M. Clough
Rest in peace, Sir Stephen Cleobury. Your work has inspired and influenced musicians all over the world. Thank you. Singapore
Gerard Lim
There is a name that will always be synonymous with the most beautiful choral recordings I own: Sir Stephen Cleobury. His arrangements gave so much joy and inspiration to so many for so long, that his passing is a blight to everything we hold dear especially around the festive season. May his soul travel towards the heavens in return for the heavenly beauty he bestowed on our terrestrial homes for so many wonderful decades.
Andrew Lukac
Around the world, King's College is recognized as one of the epicenters of the Anglican musical tradition. The one who holds the post from which you had just retired is expected to be nothing less than the chief steward of that which those who have gone before you have laid down. You took up that mantle and ran with it, elevating not only King's College, but the whole of Western church music to a greater standard of excellence - an ambassador for that which helps keep civilization going and that which bears witness to Christ's grace and mercy. Rest in peace, good sir.
Jeffrey Ragsdale
Thank you for your great care of the Chapel Choir. You have excelled at a time when many Choirs are in decline. Your example has been a great source of inspiration. RIP
John Siderius
As for many thousands around the world, Christmas began in our home with that solo treble voice hailing the start of the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. Stephen Cleobury was a truly great man and a legend in the world of Church Choral Music. May he Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory.
Valerie Probert-Broster
RIP Stephen Cleobury, my old choirmaster and organ teacher at St Matthew’s Northampton, an utter inspiration to this 11 year old and later at the RCO. Bless his soul and all the family he leaves.
Matt Dowdy
Yes, how "incredibly fitting and poignant" that the day of Stephen Cleobury’s death happened to also be Saint Cecilia’s Day, honoring the Patron Saint of Music. Giving thanks for his exemplary life and wonderful music, we pray that Sir Stephen may now rest in peace ... and may we all sing with a little more gusto this Christmas season!
Joseph John Sinnott, NY
A truly great man of music has left this world. His achievements and heritage are great and his mastery will stay unsurpassed. We are glad to have dL many recordings of his artistry. Our deep feelings are with his family.
Thomas Haubrich (Amriswil Switzerland)
As a member of Saint Michael's Singers (now Coventry Cathedral Chorus), I was privileged to sing under Sir Stephen when we joined CUMS for a performance of Britten's War Requiem in Coventry Cathedral in November 2000, the 60th anniversary of the destruction of St Michael's Cathedral. I recall a memorable occasion enhanced by Sir Stephen's calm but authoritative interpretation of the score. The joy of hearing the King's choir under his leadership, whether live, in broadcast or recording will forever live in my memory. Requiescat in pace.
Barrie Rogers
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