Peter Hurford OBE MA(Cantab) DMus. FRCO (1930-2019)
Dr Peter Hurford OBE
It is with great sadness I share with you all the news that our President and friend, Peter Hurford, passed away last night.
Peter had been quite unwell over recent years with dementia, but was very well cared for by family and staff at a local nursing home.
I have been in touch with his daughter, Heather, expressing our condolences to her and her brothers, Mike and Richard. I know you will join me in thinking of, and praying for them at this difficult time.
Peter was Master of the Music at the Cathedral from 1958 until he retired in 1978 to pursue a distinguished international career as a recitalist and recording artist in his own right. He started the infamous Choir Camp in Luccombe, Somerset, in 1958 where the 60th anniversary was celebrated last summer. In 1963 he founded the International Organ Festival and has been its President since he retired. In 1984 Peter was honoured with the O.B.E. He became our President in 2007 and has been very supportive of the ECA and events since.
Many of our younger members, who perhaps never had the opportunity to meet him, will have enjoyed on many occasions singing Peter’s music and taking part in the Three Choirs Concert at the start of each International Organ Festival.
I am advised there will be a private family funeral, with a memorial service of thanksgiving at a later date. Once details are known I shall share them with you.
Should members wish to have written tributes passed to his family please inform Simon Trott by e-mail to secretary@stalbanseca.org
