The RCO Medal awarded posthumously to Jennifer Bate OBE, FRCO

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death Ms Jennifer Bate OBE, at the age of 75, in March 2020. Jennifer made a unique contribution to organ-playing in the UK and internationally, and was an indefatigable advocate for the instrument and its music over more than 50 years.

In recognition of her distinguished career as an organist and composer for the organ, and in recognition of her inspiring teaching, the College is awarding Ms Bate the RCO Medal posthumously.

A memorial concert for Jennifer Bate, featuring many of Jennifer’s colleagues and friends, will take place at St James’s Church, St James Lane, Muswell Hill, London N10 3DB on Saturday 16 October at 15:30. RCO President Gerard Brooks will present the Medal during this event.

The RCO’s obituary for Jennifer Bate (30 March 2020) may be found here.

Composer Peter Dickinson, whose works Jennifer championed, wrote an obituary which was published here in The Guardian

Click here to read an overview of the work of the Jennifer Bate Organ Academy.

The Medal of the Royal College of Organists (‘The RCO Medal’) recognises distinguished achievement in one or more of the following areas relating to organ and choral music: performance, teaching, scholarship, composition, organ-building, conducting, administration, and philanthropy; it is also available to recognise specific service to the College.