We were sad to receive news of the death on 28th December 2020 of our former Chairman and dedicated committee member John Whitworth.
John lived to be 91 years of age and throughout his life had a passion for and interest in music and the performing arts.
He trained as a teacher at the college of York St John, specialising in music, and went on to teach in Carlisle primary schools, notably Pennine Way. He took an active part in organising the annual primary schools music festival in the city.
In his leisure time and particularly in his retirement years he travelled widely to hear music, making annual visits to Glyndebourne, Covent Garden, Buxton Opera House, and Llandudno for the Welsh National Opera series.
Early concert programmes for our Society, then known as the North Cumberland Recital Club, recorded a list of members. John's name appeared on the members' list in the early fifties, evidencing his interest in chamber music from the time of his youth. In those years the society attracted musicians of international renown to Carlisle.
Eventually, he became our Chairman and served until 2011, and then remained on the Committee for a further six years. He was extremely knowledgeable about music, listening to many recordings and keeping up with the music world through reading widely, and this greatly benefited our Society. He introduced our concerts with a warmth and enthusiasm; audience members never doubted his sincere hope that they should enjoy their evening.
When once again we are able to hold concerts, John's presence will be greatly missed.
John lived to be 91 years of age and throughout his life had a passion for and interest in music and the performing arts.
He trained as a teacher at the college of York St John, specialising in music, and went on to teach in Carlisle primary schools, notably Pennine Way. He took an active part in organising the annual primary schools music festival in the city.
In his leisure time and particularly in his retirement years he travelled widely to hear music, making annual visits to Glyndebourne, Covent Garden, Buxton Opera House, and Llandudno for the Welsh National Opera series.
Early concert programmes for our Society, then known as the North Cumberland Recital Club, recorded a list of members. John's name appeared on the members' list in the early fifties, evidencing his interest in chamber music from the time of his youth. In those years the society attracted musicians of international renown to Carlisle.
Eventually, he became our Chairman and served until 2011, and then remained on the Committee for a further six years. He was extremely knowledgeable about music, listening to many recordings and keeping up with the music world through reading widely, and this greatly benefited our Society. He introduced our concerts with a warmth and enthusiasm; audience members never doubted his sincere hope that they should enjoy their evening.
When once again we are able to hold concerts, John's presence will be greatly missed.