Stanley Vann facts for kids

Stanley Vann (born in Leicester on February 15, 1910 – died March 27, 2010) was a talented English musician. He was a composer, an organist, and a choral conductor. He also trained choirs. Stanley Vann made a big impact on music in the Anglican church. He was the Director of Music at Peterborough Cathedral from 1953 to 1977. He lived to be 100 years old, celebrating his birthday on February 15, 2010. He passed away the next month.

Early Life and Musical Start

Stanley Vann was born in Leicester, England. He began learning the piano when he was about six years old. By the age of 17, he started playing the organ. He was very good at it! By the time he was 20, he had already earned three important organ diplomas: the ARCM, ARCO, and FRCO.

Beginning His Career

In 1931, Stanley Vann became the Assistant Organist at Leicester Cathedral. Two years later, in 1933, he became the Organist at Gainsborough Parish Church. Then, in 1939, he moved to Leamington Spa to be the Organist at Holy Trinity Church. While there, he started two musical groups: the Leamington Spa Bach Choir and the Warwickshire Symphony Orchestra.

From 1942 to 1946, Stanley Vann served in the Second World War. After the war, in 1949, he became the Organist at Chelmsford Cathedral. He also taught Harmony and Counterpoint as a professor at Trinity College, London. In Chelmsford, he created another group, the Essex Symphony Orchestra. He also trained the Leicester Philharmonic choir for famous conductors like Henry Wood and Malcolm Sargent.

Time at Peterborough Cathedral

In 1953, Stanley Vann became the Master of the Music at Peterborough Cathedral. He held this important job until he retired in 1977. When he first arrived, the choir was not very strong. However, he quickly worked hard to make them into an excellent choir. They even made many recordings!

In 1971, the Archbishop of Canterbury honored him with a special Lambeth doctorate. This was to recognize his great contributions to music.

Life After Retirement

After retiring, Stanley Vann first moved to Wansford in Cambridgeshire. This location was halfway between his son in Yorkshire and his daughter in Berkshire. He continued to be very active in music. He trained the local church choir, gave singing lessons, and kept composing new music. Later, he moved to Yorkshire to be closer to his family. He passed away at the age of 100.

Stanley Vann's Compositions

Stanley Vann wrote a lot of music, especially for church services in the Anglican tradition. His compositions include hymn tunes, anthems, motets, chants, and music for the organ. He also wrote many other pieces.

One of his biggest works is the Billingshurst Mass. This piece is for a large choir and orchestra. It was first performed in Chichester Cathedral in 2000.

Celebrating His Milestones

In 2000, a special concert was held at All Saints Church in Peterborough to celebrate his 90th birthday. Ten years later, on Sunday, February 14, 2010, many cathedrals and churches across England held concerts and services to celebrate his 100th birthday. The BBC also broadcast a special choral evensong on Radio 3 from Peterborough Cathedral on February 24, 2010.

There is now a scholarship named after Stanley Vann. It helps young choir trainers and directors who work in the Anglican church tradition.