Sir Philip Ledger CBE 1937-2012

OUP are deeply saddened by the death of Sir Philip Ledger CBE

Sir Philip was educated at King’s College, Cambridge and went on to be Master of Music at Chelmsford Cathedral and Director of Music at the University of East Anglia. In 1974 he returned to King’s College, Cambridge as Director of Music. During his years there, he directed the Choir of King’s College in the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, made an extensive range of recordings and took the Choir to the USA, Australia, and Japan for the first time. He was subsequently Principal of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama from 1982-2001.

Sir Philip contributed significantly to the OUP catalogue as composer, editor and arranger with an output that has inspired generations of singers and choral directors. He was the editor of the quintessential Oxford Book of English Madrigals, (published in 1978) which continues to be a perennial favourite today with choirs all over the world. He leaves an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire and touch the lives of many.

A full obituary, written by Stephen Cleobury, can be read here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/nov/20/sir-philip-ledger