ANDREW
DOWNES – an obituary
Andrew Downes, a vibrant presence in the musical life of the
Midlands and beyond, passed away this morning at the age of 72. He had long
withstood a series of crippling physical disabilities, but his creative juices
as a composer of eminently approachable, deeply sincere music, never stopped
flowing.
Born into an eminent musical family including the violist
Herbert Downes (who played in the orchestra at the late Queen’s Coronation) and
Frank Downes, French horn with the CBSO, Andrew studied music at Oxford,
subsequently developing a dual career as counter-tenor and composer.
The latter calling won, and he was appointed Head of
Composition and Creative Studies at Birmingham Conservatoire, a chair created
especially for him. His music was always functional and well-constructed, and
found followings not just in this country but also in the Czech Republic and
the USA.
Our sympathies go to his widow Cynthia (who together with
Andrew founded the Lynwood Music publishing company), his daughters Anna and
Paula, both of whom have gone on to continue the Downes musical dynasty, and
his grandchildren.
Christopher Morley