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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 known Stephen for 50 years, initially when I sang in the choir of Westminster Abbey and he was Sub-organist. Our stories are many, but I remember an occasion when Stephen came over to Manchester, where I was then working. He recorded his music and set off home on the train. It was meant to go via Leeds, Doncaster, Peterborough, Ely and Cambridge. Stephen rang me a few days after he got home. His train in Doncaster had been released too early. Stephen was stranded, and couldn't get back for Evensong. He took out his train timetable and remonstrated with staff. He was allowed to ride in the engine of a goods train following. Travelling in the engine of a goods train was the absolute pinnacle for Stephen. I'm glad he had the experience.
Mark Rowlinson
I remember Stephen Cleobury as a very young new music master at the Northampton Grammar School for Boys. He maintained a fine tradition of both fine and varied music at the school. Every Christmas Eve his demonstration of musical and choral excellence gave me pause for reflection of our briefest of associations many years previously. Rest In Peace
Tony Boullemier
I am so deeply saddened to learn of Sir Stephen's passing. He was always very kind to me and extended great generosity to me. Hardly a day passes without thinking of him or listening to music he recorded. He leaves an amazing legacy of music and I extend my most heartfelt condolences to his family the Choir, and the College. May the angels lead him into Paradise.
John D. Boulden
In the words of another great Swedish group Thank you fir the music RIP Stephen.
Michael F Ennis
I am so sad to learn of the death of this wonderful and gifted man. A devoted and great teacher who gave so much to music and the uplifting of the human spirit. May he Rest In Peace.
Melanie Scott
Read with shock of the passing of Stephen, an inspiration to all organists/choirmasters. His legacy, so well preserved in his many broadcasts and recordings will live on for many decades to come. Taken from us too soon, and coming so quickly after his retirement is really sad for all who knew him. My thoughts are with his family and the choristers of King's at this sad time. I believe Christmas Eve will be a difficult time for them all, and for his many millions of admirers around the world. Requiescat in Pace maestro.
Alan G. Templeton
I admire King’s College Chapel Choir, its performances, recordings, musical commissions, education, and tradition of excellence. I also had the honour of singing with Cambridge University Music Society Chorus in the mid 2000s, under the direction of Sir David Willcocks, Daniel Hyde, and, most often, Stephen Cleobury, as he was then. I have limited musical ability or training and being auditioned (albeit not very strictly) and admitted to an ensembles under his direction by the man himself felt like a miracle. Over the course of many memorable rehearsals and concerts that were to follow, I found him kind, modest, dryly witty and almost painfully conscious of his place not as an individual musician but part of long vertical and horizontal lines of people who care about music. That period of my life was not the happiest on other fronts and I am heartened to see Stephen on video and in print exhorting as many as can to sing as it makes you feel happier, healthier and part of something much larger than yourself, whatever your musical gifts. My heartfelt thanks to Stephen and his associates, and condolences to all those who will miss him, especially his nearest and dearest.
Kieran Morgan
As a very short time producer of the Daily Service on Radio 4, it was my privilege and pleasure to work with Sir Stephen. When he was our Director of Music, I did not have to worry about any aspect of the music or choir. He is not only a great loss to music, he is a great loss to humanity.
Christine Murdoch (nee Liddell)
On one visit to a service at King's College Chapel Sir Stephen was leaving the Chapel and I paused to offer him my thanks for his conducting of the choir. He was so gracious in his response to me, and he gave the impression of really appreciating my comments.
George Long
Thank you, Sir Stephen Cleobury, for filling my ears with beauty, for bringing glorious song to simple days. My condolences to Sir Stephen's family and dear friends and to the members and staff of King's College, Cambridge.
Rosalind Franklin
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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

To commemorate legacy of Sir Stephen Cleobury, who served as an exceptional Director of Music...
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