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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.

 


 

Sir Stephen Cleobury a donné sa vie à la Musique . Il restera pour toujours dans nos coeurs . Il nous manquera à jamais . RIP
Martine.Cazassus
I first met the then-future Sir Stephen on an extremely rainy day in October of 1983 following Evensong in the Chapel. I would meet him numerous times thereafter, both there and in our Washington National Cathedral. My last brief meeting was just as the standing ovation was ending in the Chapel this past June following his farewell concert there. He was most kind to me! Some favourite performances from him are his first (Decca) recording of Messiah, both his early and latest Howells discs, his broadcast of Elgar's The Apostles, and his two collections of Hymns, to which I should also add his Handel Coronation Anthems and Birthday Ode for Queen Anne. I join others in extending my very best wishes to Lady Cleobury, who also has been most kind to me, both on Twitter and at our only in-person meeting, this also-following Sir Stephen's farewell, during this presumably-difficult time. I hope he can rest in peace.
J. O. Vaughan
Deepest sympathy to all his family. With his recent move to York from Cambridge, and my move up to West Yorkshire from London, he was going to come over to me with Emma and have lunch, particularly as he had no so long ago given a wonderful recital at Bradford Cathedral, but it wasn't to be. I shall always be grateful to him for the solo work he gave me at King's for oratorio and what l learnt. May he rest in peace.
Una Barry
When I think about any recordings of choral music, the first name that comes into my mind is that of Stephen Cleobury. I'm sure that his impressive lifetime achievements will be remembered for many years to come. Rest in peace.
Joel Valkila
A sincere thought of grateful remembrance for the life of Sir Stephen, whose work at King's - and beyond - deeply inspired and strived to excellence many of us. As a professional musician myself, he and his choir have been the soundtrack of my days since the meeting with Stephen's all-round musicianship really revolutioned my musical life. We are all so sad for such a premature loss, but his tremendous legacy as conductor, organist, composer and arranger (and I hope in a future publication of all his many still unpublished carols arrangements...) will bring "tidings of comfort and joy" for many years to come. Thank you, Stephen!
D.
A great musician is passed away. Condolences to all his family and friends.
René Koster
I am very sorry to learn of the death of Sir Stephen. Even though I never met or spoke to him in person, I was truly inspired by the wonderful singing, during the carol services, of the King’s College Cambridge Choir which I fully attribute to him. I am confident in saying that he was responsible for my interest in these carol services which I have never missed watching from my screen here in Mombasa ever since I came to know of them. This is indeed a very sad moment for me. May God rest his soul in peace.
Martin Kaduda
I'm just 14. But choral and classical music is my biggest passion. I was shocked when I saw the video about Sir Stephen Cleobury's death. He left too soon... God, please, admit Sir Cleobury in Heaven. He deserves it. He was such a great man...
A., from Nimis (Italy)
Very sad but such an apt day for a musician to pass over. Sincere condolences to his family.
Gillian Sowray
Sad news. What a wonderful life devoted to making wonderful music. Christmas is not Christmas without the Festival of Carols from Kings. This Christmas we will remember him as we listen to that glorious sound. Thank you for being such an inspiration to so many. Condolences to all his family and friends.
Carole and Richard Jarvis
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