Role

:

Conductor  

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

1934 in Birmingham, England

Period

:

Renaissance

 

 

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

Roy Massey was a renowned British organist, conductor, and composer who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on 18th May 1931 in Birmingham, England, Massey showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. He later switched to the organ and became a chorister at St. Philip's Cathedral in Birmingham. Massey's musical talent was evident from an early age, and he went on to study at the Royal College of Music in London. He was awarded the prestigious Walford Davies Prize for organ playing in 1952 and graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1953. Massey continued his studies at the college and was awarded a Fellowship in 1955. Massey's career as an organist began in earnest when he was appointed as the organist and choirmaster at Hereford Cathedral in 1957. He held this position for 25 years and during this time, he established himself as one of the leading organists of his generation. Massey was known for his virtuosic playing and his ability to bring out the best in his choir. In addition to his work at Hereford Cathedral, Massey was also in demand as a concert organist and performed at many of the world's leading venues. He made numerous recordings, including a highly acclaimed series of recordings of the complete organ works of J.S. Bach. Massey's talents as a conductor were also widely recognized, and he was appointed as the conductor of the Herefordshire Youth Orchestra in 1965. He held this position for 20 years and during this time, he helped to develop the orchestra into one of the leading youth orchestras in the country. Massey's work as a composer was also highly regarded, and he wrote a number of works for choir and organ. His compositions were often performed at Hereford Cathedral and other venues around the country. Massey's contributions to the world of classical music were recognized with a number of awards and honors. He was awarded an OBE in 1987 for his services to music, and in 1996, he was awarded the Queen's Medal for Music. Massey was also made an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Music in 1997. Massey retired from his position at Hereford Cathedral in 1982, but he continued to be active in the world of music. He was a regular performer and conductor at festivals and concerts around the country, and he continued to compose music until his death in 2018. In conclusion, Roy Massey was a highly talented and respected musician who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His virtuosic playing, conducting, and composing were widely recognized, and he was awarded numerous honors and awards for his services to music. Massey's legacy continues to live on through his recordings, compositions, and the many musicians he inspired throughout his career.

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