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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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Stephen has been without doubt the biggest musical influence on my life after my choral scholar days of 1986-1989. His dry wit, incredible attention to detail and not allowing 'second best' in music has remained with me ever since; your work lives on in everyone you taught.
Gregory Moore
One of my most poignant memories of Stephen Cleobury was attending the Carols from King’s service in 1991 when I was a PhD student at Cambridge University. A fellow student who was a chorister arranged for us to sit near the stalls so we had a great view. The music was extraordinary and I will never forget the opening processional carol. After the service I cycled back to the lab and that evening captured the microscope images that were central to my research. It has become a Christmas tradition in our family to listen to Carols from King’s broadcast on ABC radio as it brings back many happy memories of that day and of Cambridge.
Grahame Rosolen, Sydney
Sir Stephen had a huge impact on my life (and several other members of my family) through the annual broadcast of A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, Recordings, Concerts and Evensongs. To maintain an international standard of musicianship on an almost daily basis for 37 years is nothing short of remarkable. His level of support for, and kindness towards, young musicians and modern composers was another wonderful quality he had. The good news is that a man of his calibre and his immense musical legacy, will ensure that he will never be forgotten and will continue to positively influence many, many people's lives. His family and friends are in my thoughts.
Tom Webster
Devastated to hear this sad news. I first met Stephen when he came as a young pianist to accompany the BBC Singers. He then played for me several times and we kept in touch over the years. In 2016 I asked him to lead a Choral Singing Day at our church to raise money for the organ restoration, which he did very successfully, and he promised to return to play the new organ. Our deepest sympathies go to Emma and their girls - he was so proud of them, and to Nick his brother. Stephen's musical legacy will not be forgotten.
Anna Bernardin
Sir Stephen had a huge impact on my life (and several other members of my family) through the annual broadcast of A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, Recordings, Concerts and Evensongs. To maintain an international standard of musicianship on an almost daily basis for 37 years is nothing short of remarkable. His level of support for, and kindness towards, young musicians and modern composers was another wonderful quality he had. The good news is that a man of his calibre and his immense musical legacy, will ensure that he will never be forgotten and will continue to positively influence many, many people's lives.
Tom Webster, Peacock + Smith
Sir Stephen was a truly inspirational musician, who brought out the very best in the people with whom he worked. The sounds he inspired others to produce will live long in our collective memory. He will now be caught up in even greater music on another shore, and in a greater light. Thank you for all that you were and all that you will be, Stephen.
Heather Davies
It is with great sadness that I learned of Sir Stephen's death. Stephen taught me counterpoint and fugue writing during my time as an undergraduate at King's, and I had the privilege to perform many times with him during that time. I saw him less than two year ago, when he gave me the opportunity to perform in chapel in honour of another lost friend. At that occasion he found the time in his busy schedule to allow us to have a long talk. I will never forget his kindness and modesty along with his deeply felt musicianship!
Dr. Johannes Gebauer, Berlin (King's 1990–93)
What a wonderful inspiration to all musicians - young and old who strive for perfection. He was a true Master of Music. Rest in Peace Stephen - your work is done. God Bless you and all your Family.
Derek H. Boyd
My deepest condolences to Sir Stephen Cleobury's family and friends. It was such an honour and privilege to have sang for him at CUMS Choir.
Ana Teresa Maia
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sir Stephen Cleobury. May his dear soul rest in peace.
Lothar Woehler
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