Sir David Lumsden RIP

I am very sorry to have to inform you of the death of Sir David Lumsden. He died peacefully at home in Winchester on Friday 24th February.

David was organist, tutor in music and fellow from 1959 to 1976. He was elected an Honorary Fellow in 1996. During his tenure he grew our musical reputation and choral excellence to new heights, expanding the repertoire, undertaking notable recordings and commissioning contemporary works. He left a permanent legacy in our organ, conceived and installed by Grant, Degens and Bradbeer in 1969.

A musical polymath, David’s career spanned the roles of performer, conductor, teacher and administrator. Latterly he was a highly distinguished Principal of the Royal Academy of Music and Chairman of the National Youth Orchestra.

In David we have lost one of the inspiring presences of New College in the last century. Our sympathy and condolences go out to his family, friends, former students and former colleagues.

Warden