In memory of Sir David Willcocks

The international choral world has lost an important personality: Sir David Willcocks, leader of the King’s College Choir, composer and organist, passed away yesterday. He had reached the proud age of 95 years.

Sir David Willcocks, “England’s choir master”, is well-known for his brilliant engagement in the international choral world. He established an international reputation for the King’s College Choir, toured with them around the world, and won widespread acclaim for their recordings. On his recommendation one of the most successful group, the King’s Singers, formed with former members of the choir.

Through its engagement, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in the King’s College Chapel was broadcasted live every Christmas in radio stations worldwide. For many radio and television audiences around the world, the Festival is the sound of Christmas.

With his numerous recordings of the renaissance music in that time when the LP-records of old music started coming out, he made an important contribution for performance of this style of music. As composer he created hundreds of arrangements of Carols, which were sung by choral singers all over the world.

Sir David Willcocks supported the international work of INTERKULTUR many years as lecturer and jury member. We can look back on a professional and friendly cooperation.

His death is a big lost for the worldwide choral singing. INTERKULTUR is mourning for a close friend and great supporter.