Anthony John Cooke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anthony John Cooke
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| Born | 29 January 1931 Birmingham
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| Died | 6 October 2012 (aged 81) |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Organist |
Anthony John Cooke was a very talented British organist and composer. He was born in 1931 and lived until 2012. He was known for his amazing musical skills, especially playing the organ, which is a very large and complex musical instrument often found in churches. He also wrote his own music.
About Anthony John Cooke
Anthony John Cooke was born in Birmingham in 1931. He went to King Edward VI Aston School and later even taught there. In 1949, he went to Keble College, Oxford to study music. He was an "organ scholar" there, which means he received a special scholarship because he was very good at playing the organ.
He finished his studies in 1953 with a Master's degree in music. He also became a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists. This is a special title for very skilled organists. After college, he started teaching at Highgate School in North London. He also received a special award called the Archbishop of Canterbury's Diploma in Church Music, which shows his expertise in church music. For many years, he also helped advise churches in the Ripon and Leeds area about their organs. Anthony John Cooke passed away on October 6, 2012.
Where He Played Music
Anthony John Cooke held many important musical jobs throughout his life. He was often the organist at different churches, meaning he was in charge of playing the organ for services and events.
- He was the organist at St Mary and St Ambrose Church, Edgbaston from 1948 to 1949.
- He was the organ scholar at Keble College, Oxford from 1949 to 1953 while he was studying there.
- He played the organ at St. Germain's Church, Edgbaston, from 1955 to 1958.
- From 1958 to 1964, he was the organist at St Bartholomew's Church, Edgbaston, Birmingham.
- He became the Director of Music at Leeds Grammar School from 1964 to 1989. This meant he was in charge of all the music programs at the school.
- He also served as the organist at St Wilfrid's Church, Pool-in-Wharfedale.
His Music Recordings
Anthony John Cooke's amazing organ playing can be heard on several recordings. He was featured on some of the very first LP (long-play) records made by the Leeds Parish Church Choir. He also played the organ for a special Christmas recording with the Huddersfield Choral Society and the Black Dyke Band. This recording was made on the Chandos music label and featured him playing the organ at Huddersfield Town Hall.
Music He Wrote
Besides playing the organ, Anthony John Cooke also wrote his own music. His compositions included pieces for choirs to sing and for the organ to play.
