The famed choral conductor Sir Stephen Cleobury has died.
Cleobury was celebrated internationally as director of one of England’s most accomplished choirs, that of King’s College, Cambridge. In particular, he was associated with the Christmas Eve broadcasts of “A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols,” which are heard all over the world. Cleobury presided over these for the past four decades. In that capacity, he was also responsible for commissioning new carols from many of the day’s leading composers.
The Choir of King’s College, founded in 1441, is world-renowned for its excellence. The ensemble’s first Christmas Eve concert took place in 1918. “A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” has been broadcast every year since 1928.
Cleobury was knighted earlier this year for his services to choral music. He retired as director of music at King’s College only two months ago. He died yesterday, St. Cecilia’s Day, at the age of 70.