ANDREW DOWNES YEAR OF REMEMBRANCE
By
Christopher Morley
The turnout for Andrew Downes’ funeral in St John’s
Church, Hagley, earlier this year was simply amazing, and was a sign of the
affection which so many people held for this modest, unassuming composer.
Andrew had suffered much ill-health for many years, including a long spell in
Stoke Mandeville Hospital, but had always managed to compose, responding to
commissions from all over the world, despite his physical difficulties.
After several months of deterioration, he was
admitted into hospital on Christmas Day 2022, and passed away on January 2. “It
was a huge shock,” said his violinist daughter Anna (she also has a sister,
Paula, who is a singer), “because although he had been ill for so long he
always bounced back with his usual resilience.!
Anna goes on to explain the reasons behind this
huge outpouring of warmth for her father.
“Dad was quite simply a remarkable person. He had a
magic about him. He was down to earth, kind, supportive, empathetic even in the
face of his own pain. One of his carers remarked that he 'had the biggest
heart'.
“He was also a rebel and saw straight through any
pretentiousness. His family, students and (most) colleagues loved his
rebelliousness combined with his care for and generosity towards others which
was such a unique combination.
Dad believed that music and indeed the world should
have no borders. He loathed the stuffiness of classical music and strived to
liberate it which he succeeded in doing.
“Dad’s music is loved because it is beautiful. It
bears the influence of Herbert Howells (his teacher) and Vaughan Williams among
others but it is utterly unique. It encompasses real depth of emotion as well
as rhythms and conventions of music from a wide variety of cultures.
“Like him, his music has no pretentions. It is
honest and sincere.”
The Downes family (wife Cynthia, daughters Anna and
Paula, and grandchildren) are presiding over a Year of Remembrance celebrating
Andrew’s memory and music.
“Many people came forward with ideas of how to
remember Dad and mark his passing,” Anna explains. “One concert would have been
unmanageable and would have lasted days in length! Plus Dad's influence reaches
worldwide as well as UK-wide. We wanted to ensure that his remembrance was as
inclusive as possible, to reflect his character. This way, we can market
and document events which are going on here and abroad.”
There are already many performances lined up from
performers closely associated with Andrew's music, and Anna’s YouTube page
features a map of Europe. Does she anticipate sticking little flags all over it
as the year progresses?
“Haha! That's not something that I'd thought of but
I'll pass it on to my sister who manages the
channel!
“Prospective performers or promoters can email me
on ardviolinist@gmail.com or they can visit
Dad's Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064361452382 and
send a message or post a comment which we will respond to.”