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Worcester Festival Choral Society pays its thanks and deepest respects to Sir David Willcocks, former Worcester Cathedral organist and a Vice President of Worcester Festival Choral Society, who died at his home in Cambridge on 17th September 2015, age 95.

One of the foremost figures in British choral music, Sir David gained a worldwide reputation which began in Worcester in the 1950s. Born in Cornwall in 1919, he became a chorister at Westminster Abbey. After being awarded the Military Cross for bravery during the Normandy Landings in the Second World War, he arrived in Worcester in 1950 from Salisbury Cathedral, where he was organist and director of music at Worcester Cathedral from 1950 until 1957. During this time Sir David raised the cathedral choir to international standard and was largely responsible for re-structuring the Three Choirs Festival and reinvigorating Worcester Festival Choral Society. 

From Worcester, Sir David moved to King's College, Cambridge, where he spent the next 17 years; also assisting the young John Rutter in editing the Carols for Choirs series, and conducting the Bach Choir in London.  In 1969 he even worked with the Rolling Stones, leading the Bach Choir in the celestial opening of the Stones’ hit, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”. After leaving King’s in 1974, he went on to become director of the Royal College of Music and was knighted in 1977. In 1981, he organised the music at the wedding of the Prince of Wales to Lady Diana Spencer.

Sir David gained a worldwide reputation as a choral conductor, voice trainer, composer and arranger, especially of Christmas carols, and was known for his interpretations of music by contemporary composers including Ralph Vaughan Williams and Benjamin Britten. He continued to lead an active life long after his retirement and continued to guest conduct regularly.

He maintained close links with Worcester throughout his lifetime, including his long-standing role as Vice President of Worcester Festival Choral Society. Many of today’s chorus members well recall Sir David Willcocks’ last conducting appearance at one of our concerts exactly 16 years ago in November 1999, when an 80th Birthday Celebration concert was held in honour – including one of the works we sing at our 14 November concert, Elgar’s The Music Makers.  We thank him for all his interest, inspiration and support of the Society across the years.

Sir David is survived by his wife, Rachel, two daughters and a son.