Sir David Lumsden HonFRCO (1928–2023)

It is with great sadness that the College has learned of the death of Sir David Lumsden, aged 94.

Sir David (he was knighted in 1985) was a great supporter of the College and its work over many decades. He was awarded Honorary Fellowship of the College in 1976. At this point he was Fellow, Organist, and Lecturer at New College, Oxford, and was praised for his outstanding talents as an organist and choir trainer, and also for his acclaimed musicological work in the field of English lute music.

Over the years Sir David served as an RCO examiner and council member, and he became President of the College in 1986. His presidency (1986–88) took place during his tenure as Principal of the Royal Academy of Music (1982–93). A major undertaking during his presidency was the International Congress of Organists, held in Cambridge in 1987, under the Patronage of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. As chairman, Sir David steered the organising committee for this major and very successful celebration of the organ and its musical riches. Another highlight of his period in office was the award of Honorary Fellowships to Piet Kee and Olivier Messiaen in 1988 (see photograph: Sir David Lumsden (centre, in Presidential gown) with Piet Kee (left) & Olivier Messiaen).

Later College duties saw Sir David involved in the academic life of the College (a full syllabus review was overseen by him in the late 1990s) and as Chairman of the Executive Committee. His long, distinguished academic and administrative career, and his forward-looking and enterprising view of the music profession and its needs, was rooted in the disciplines of organ playing and choir training, which he cared deeply about.

The College records its thanks to Sir David for his indefatigable commitment to the institution’s mission and development, and for his many contributions in various roles. We send our condolences to his family.