John Birch, organist at Chichester Cathedral who led the first UK performance of Leonard Bernstein’s Psalms, has died, aged 82.
An ex-pupil writes from Australia: John was a fine organist to the RPO & Academy of St Martin in the Fields; chief protector of the RAH organ; 22 years at Chichester, 15 at Temple Church; taught at RCM for years; long relationship with University of Sussex and Brighton Festival Chorus and Laszlo Heltay: mentor and teacher to many. His playing on Glagolitic Mass with Kempe is absolutely second to none!
He taught me and he was unforgettable.
Just heard this news today (Tuesday 1st). I studied with John at the RCM in the 80s during his time as President of the RCO and Organist at the Temple Church. He was a perfect gentleman, a great musician and an engaging teacher. He persuaded me to help out at a fund-raiser at the RAH during his RCO Presidency and I turned pages for a galaxy of organists in a huge programme, with Steve Race as compere! Many happy memories and sad to see him go.
A fine gentleman, a wonderful musician, Yehudi Menuhin’s favourite organist – I have great memories of his concerts with the RPO, especially in the Royal Albert Hall.