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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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It is with great sadness that I have just heard about the death of Sir Stephen Cleobury. Along with countless others, I have listened with great pleasure to Carols from King's for many years, and I am moved to add my condolences to the many others you will receive. May he Rest in Peace.
E.D.Kirkham (alumnus of Pembroke College)
Sir Stephen Cleobury, You were a true inspiration to my two daughters Melissa and Alexia Sloane who had the immense honour and privilege of working under your baton during a rehearsal in Kings College Chapel with their Children Choir, Kings Junior Voices of which you were the Founding President. In June 2018, you heard the choral piece Alexia wrote for the 10th anniversary of Kings Junior Voices. She was just 18 at the time, having been a member of the choir for 9 years. A year after the concert, she had her BBC Proms Debut with her commissioned piece Earthward written for VOCES8 last July. It was an immense honour for Alexia, who is now a 19 year old blind composer, to have been able to talk to you even if briefly at the end of the Kings Junior Voices concert in July 2018. We will never know if you heard the Premiere of her BBC Proms piece for VOCES8 last July but the memory of your presence at the Premiere of her piece for Kings Junior Voices the year before and of our short meeting with you just after the concert will never leave us. Your advice with regards to Alexia's university application a few months before that was also very highly appreciated. Cambridge and the unautditioned children choir of Kings Junior Voices which you founded more than 10 years ago will never cease to remember you and your memory will continue to live through the voices of the 90 children who form the choir and who come from all walks of life not having had any formal choral training. Our town has lost a truly remarkable and inspirational human being whose spirit will remain in the hearts and souls of its people. On behalf of my two daughters, Melissa and Alexia Sloane and myself, thank you for founding the Cambridge Children Choir of Kings Junior Voices.
isabelle Sloane, Cambridge
May the Lord Jesus take his soul up to heaven and say to him, “Well done Stephen, my good and faithful servant.” Thank You for leading the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols for many years and may you lead one in Heaven with the choir of angels.
Phillip Kilchenstein
In grateful for the generous heart of a kind man and consummate musician. May he add his own sparkle to the heavenly City and a personal touch to the choir of angels. Christmas Eve will have a special poignancy this year.
Nigel C C Bamping
I always listen to King's College Choir whenever I can, especially the Christmas Eve 9 lessons and carols. Sir Stephen leaves a wonderful legacy for us all to aspire to.
Jim Percival
Our Christmas starts with Kings on Christmas Eve. He will be sadly missed by millions. RIP
John and Liz Taylor
Being local we have enjoyed many of your concerts and events. But you have been inspirational in a global sense and you have had a profound effect on millions of people. Very many thanks. Our deepest sympathies to Emma.
Ian and Eleanor Jack
One of the finest and most outstanding musicians known. Extremely sad news to hear of his passing. A fine gentleman who will be missed by all organists and choristers whether they knew him or not. May this fine individual now receive the paradise that he truly deserves.
Matthew Porter
Such a great loss to the world of choral music. A great person.
John Kay (Toronto)
You set the standard for us all to follow. Well done, and now rest in peace with your many wonderful achievements
Stephen Fenwick
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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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Recordings

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Choir and Music

The music of King’s College Chapel is as well-known as the building itself, and depends...
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Director of Music Fund

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