Death of Honorary President of St Andrews Chorus and Honorary Professor, Tom Duncan 1937-2023
| Type of post: | Chorus news item |
| Sub-type: | No sub-type |
| Posted By: | Michael Campkin |
| Status: | Current |
| Date Posted: | Sun, 27 Aug 2023 |
We are sad to announce the passing of the founder of our choir, Honorary President, Tom Duncan, on 17th August 2023 at his home in St Andrews.
Tom arrived in the town in 1962 and lectured in English at the University for 40 years, continuing on well past retirement as an Honorary Professor.
Under Tom’s direction, St Andrews Chorus originated in 1963 as the Holy Trinity Augmented Choir.
We remember Tom especially for his lasting contribution to the musical life of St Andrews. He founded and led various choirs and, as organist in Holy Trinity Parish Church, he served the community at weekly services, weddings and funerals for over 50 years.
A natural performer, whether in a concert hall, church or lecture theatre, his Messiah concerts in the Younger Hall with the St Andrews Chorus in the 1980s and 90s were an annual tradition and enthusiastically received by packed audiences.
The Chorus Committee and members past and present join our Musical Director, Michael Downes, in extending our heartfelt condolences to his companion, Professor Karla Pollmann, and to his daughters, Julie and Hazel and his 5 grandchildren.
There will be a public memorial service in Holy Trinity Church at 2pm on 4th November, to which all are welcome.
Original information courtesy of L.B. Isles, St Andrews University.
