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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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I have listened to the webcasts of the Choir with great pleasure for many years from New York City and now from Massachusetts in the United States. It is with genuine sorrow that I learned of Sir Stephen Cleobury's death. My thoughts are with you, his colleagues and community, and I will remember him in my own prayers and at the altar. May he rest in peace.
The Reverend Stephen Harding
Thank you for the wonderful music produced by the Choir under your leadership.
Penelope Wagstaff
During our family’s first decade, Sir Stephen and the choir gave us many profound, sometimes surprising, musical experiences, much shared joy, and comfort when needed. With the small children, we often sat in front of the orchestra and, I confess, did take some delight at Sir Stephen’s discreet bewilderment when he, turning to the audience at the end of a Bach Passion, faced a serene, rather un-English five-year old reclining across his father’s lap. He, in turn, utterly surprised me, calling forth unexpected emotion, when he, another evening, turned mid-performance to have us rise and strike up the Old Hundredth in Britten’s Nicolas, one of those Moments of wonderful English pathos. We will miss him.
Paul Wenzel, Oslo
a privelidge to facilitate for you when you gave your recital at my church on Newcastle a few years ago. A kinder self effacing man you could not hope to meet who was also a master of his craft. Condolences to the family left behind. A great loss to the world of music..
Ian Macdonald
Very sad to hear of the passing of Sir Stephen Cleobury. He brought so much music and joy to our family, with Nine Lessons and Carols ,as audience for CUMS chorus concerts, and for myself as a member of the Chorus. My experience in the Chorus has improved me so much as a singer. I know there are so many who feel just the same. Sincere condolences from us both, to family and friends.
Val Norton, and Dr. Chris Johnson
I am deeply saddened to have learned of the death of Sir Stephen Cleobury, a musician whose work with the college choir I have followed and admired for two decades. As an amateur musician I looked up to Stephen as man whom I saw as embodiment of the highest level of standard in music. My visits to King's, for Evensong or for concerts, were wonderful experiences and remain among my fondest moments and memories in life. Stephen's contribution to music stands tall and proud and there is plenty to remember him by. Rest in peace, Sir Stephen Cleobury. Thank you years of wonderful music
Marek Michalak
He will be deeply missed by all in the music world, As a priest, I will also miss him as a devout Christian. May he rest in peace.
David Taylor
Thank you for your huge commitment to music and, in particular, the King of Instruments otherwise known as the organ. You will be missed, but your legacy and memory will live on. Rest in peace.
James Gould's organ services
Sincere condolences to Sir Stephen's family and friends. Requiescat in pace.
Dr John Ridgeway-Wood, Master of the Music, York Oratory
So sad that we lost a great man; Sir Stephen Cleobury at this very moment, may his soul find rest in the bossom of the Almighty. I ought to meet him last year but he couldn't come to Nigeria due to the fact that he had a bike accident.
Olatunji Abolade
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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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Director of Music Fund

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