The obituary notice of RICHARD HICKOX

From mother and son, Ann and Stephen Rose.

Ann sang with the Endellion Festival Choir for eighteen years - Richard's inspirational touch, particularly in detailed work at rehearsals, his patience and humour, turned every concert into a joyous occasion.

Stephen, violinist - "Richard's kindness and encouragement was of inestimable value to me at the beginning of my career, having graduated from baby-sitter to Tom, via Endellion, to the CLS, where I spent many fulfilling years, and learned so much. I shall always be grateful."

I was deeply saddened to hear of the sudden and tragically early death of Richard Hickox. I was a pupil at Wycombe Abbey School in the early seventies when he conducted choral singing lessons for the whole year group. I am not a singer of any talent but thoroughly enjoyed these lessons in which the young Richard skilfully taught and conducted, generating great enthusiasm and a lasting enjoyment of singing for us all. I later watched and admired as his career developed bringing international recognition, and I felt even more privileged to have had those experiences at school.

He will be sadly missed by many audiences including that of Covent Garden, of which I am a frequent member.

My sympathies to his family.

I first new Richard in 1967 when he was organist/choir master at Wooburn Parish Church and launched the first Wooburn Festival. Later Festivals included productions of Noye’s Fludde, Purcell’s Fairy Queen, Dream of Gerontius, Bach Passions, A Sea Symphony, Verdi Requiem, Coronation of Poppea. Looking back one sees that Richard created new opportunities for every organisation he worked with. As choir members we were inspired by his all embracing communication with every singer. His visions were boundless; us lesser mortals faced challenges of our time and energy and our own confidence in delivering to his high standards. We were charmed, encouraged, valued, praised, given confidence by his own optimistic personality. In 1972, he launched the City of London Sinfonia at St John’s, Smith Square. CLS was soon to be regularly on Radio 3. When I went backstage after concerts, he was always delighted to see people; a contact with the audience, a way of unwinding: keen to reminisce over past times. Speaking to several people over the last few days, he would always have a personal memory to recall. He had not forgotten those with whom he had made music with in past years.
Peter Robson

Firstly my sincere condolences to his wife & family. We have such dear memories of a wonderful man. How comforting it is to read messages from others who were part of Richard's early years.Certainly Wooburn Singers and Wooburn Festival, which were established in 1967 by him, his family and friends based in his father's parish of St. Pauls, Wooburn Green, are a testament to his huge talent and enthusiasm. They are still going strong. I have great memories of these early times, gathering young musicians to play and sing in wonderful concerts in St Pauls and surrounding churches, including Faure's Requiem in Eton Chapel. I especially remember his marriage to his first wife, Julia Margaret on July 4th 1970, when he graduated from Queens College, Cambridge, As her sister, I was a bridesmaid. His dear late father Revd Sidney Hickox officiated and the reception was held in a huge marquee, at Claytons, Bourne End ( the home of the late Dr. Kay Flanagan) As it was finals day at Wimbledon and the last day of Henley Regatta guests were buzzing around the country roads to attend them all! Even then he had an army of fans! Vivienne James, Savoie, France

I have fond memories of Richard from his very early days as Musical Director of the Wooburn Festival. I was fortunate to be invited to play in the orchestra at the festival. It was only too obvious then that he was going to be a great conductor and during these early days he was able to bring well known soloists like John Shirley Quirk to perform at the festival. I have followed Richard's career since then and still can't believe that he is no longer with us.

I am in complete shock at hearing the news, here in India. My wife & I had seen him several times with the City of London Sinfonia, at the Wycombe Swan, during the three years we were at High Wycombe. We thoroughly enjoyed those performances.
His rapport with his orchestra was palpable.

I'm sure he'll be greatly missed.

May his soul rest in peace.

As well as his wonderful and intelligent musicianship, I will miss Richard's unfailing warmth and kindness. My heart goes out to his family.

I met Richard Hickox first in 1969 when he took over as Organist and Choirmaster at High Wycombe Parish Church. It was a major point in my musical life when he asked me to stay on as his Assistant. The following two years provided some of the highlights of my musical life - accompanying the excellent (near cathedral standard) choir in all the many wonderful facets of English Church Music, taking part in major choral works, ie. Bach's St. John Passion with High Wycombe choir and his orchestra, (later to become the City of London Sinfonia), with the up and coming young professional singers of the day,together with Concerts and Festival Choral Evensongs. The time Richard spent with me every week in detailed, assiduous preparation transformed my own abilities to a level I could never have dreamed of, both in organ playing/ accompaniment and also in conducting. That experience and knowledge have provided me with immeasurable pleasure and opportunities over the past 38 years, playing at cathedrals and concert halls on three continents. Richard's contribution to music generally was immense and uplifting. He was also god-father to one of my own sons. The world is a poorer place for his passing.

I well remember Richard Hickox conducting the Halle together with Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus when I sang with them over 25 years ago. He struck me as a dynamic individual, leaving no doubt as to what he wanted during rehearsals and giving a memorable impression by way of his conducting skills. I liked working under him. His death is a sad loss to to music worldwide. RIP.