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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 had the privilege of being accompanist when Stephen was conductor and choir trainer for Guildford Singers prior to his appointment to Kings Cambridge.I think the choir and myself learnt a lot from him for which I was most grateful.I remember sitting in the Royal Oak in Guildford after a choir practice with Stephen predicting he would get the Kings job.He blushingly pooh poohed the idea but days later his appointment was announced! A very worthy one!
Mollie Deller
Better than my many memories of the services in Kings is the memory of the time Sir Stephen came to Belfast to conduct a massed choir I sang in. He was a wonderful conductor even with a choir humble enough to have me singing in it. We still use some of his phrases in our own practices. Phrases like "If you have a long note, do something with it!"
Robert McNair
Sorry to learn of the passing of Sir Stephen Cleobury. I heard the Choir of King’s College in Toronto (2000). I have absolutely no music background but appreciate what he has done for choral and organ music. My condolences to his family. Philip & JoAnn McNeill, Millbrook,Ontario,Canada.
Philip McNeill
A great gift from God has gone to a much deserved rest. Many thanks for your great gifts to us Stephen.. My quiet time this Christmas Eve will be especially reflective...
Jack Roehrig, South Carolina, USA
Like many a 'choral scholar-to-be', I met Stephen on a choral open day in King's Chapel vestry. We were all exceptionally nervous but he was modest and made joking remarks to 'not sounding like Pavarotti' if we thought of applying for the choir. I did not apply, but instead sang under him in joint services as a St John's Lay Clerk (under Nethsingha). On these occasions I realised what a very humble man he was for somebody so famous via televised broadcasts. Stezza clearly lived for music, and the biggest thing I learnt from him on a Cambs choral conducting course seminar was simple but effective: a great way of score reading is to look for mistakes. I have used this in teaching myself scores for vocal quartet direction and continue to use whenever I coach children and adults in singing teaching. This was a practical musician who really knew his craft. Chuffed to have known him.
John Holland-Avery
Sir Stephen was a great musician without an ego . He will be sadly missed. My thoughts are with his family
N
The death of Sir Stephen Cleobury has left the world a poorer place. But if he has joined 'the bright hearts of all those long dead', nonetheless his legacy remains: the lifelong devotion to performing words and music that celebrate the creativity of the human spirit has inspired generations and has enriched the lives of all who knew him.
Dr Mara Kalnins (Life Fellow, Corpus Christi College, Cambridge)
Deeply saddened at the death of Sir Stephen Cleobury. Sympathies to his grieving wife and family
Ross Morrow
I was privileged to get to know Stephen over the years when I came to King's for services, concerts and to preach. He always made me welcome and was so enthusiastic and passionate about music at Kings. My deepest sympathy to his family and close friends.
Christina Rees CBE
Quite simply, Stephen was the most decent and considerate man I have ever known. What a life he led! His work has touched so very many, and in the most profound way. A truly remarkable legacy, and an utterly outstanding man. With heartfelt condolences to all your loved ones, and with profound gratitude for so enriching our lives.
SM
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