In Time to Declare: My Life in Church Music published in August, the distinguished organist and choral conductor Martin Neary offers an extraordinary journey through his life in music – a journey rich in artistry and personal and historical significance.
From his own early days as chorister at the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II to his role directing the music in Westminster Abbey at the funeral of Princess Diana, Martin’s career has unfolded alongside some of the most profound moments in modern British history.
This book is a testament to the power of music to elevate and move, to unite and ennoble. It is a reminder that great traditions such as choral music do not look after themselves.
For future generations to enjoy and enrich this tradition, each generation must labour after excellence, and that labour will require leaders of the stature of Martin Neary.
Martin Neary was born in London in 1940 and educated at the City of London School and at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, where he was Organ Scholar.
His life in church music began in 1947 as a chorister at Holy Trinity, Brompton, and over the succeeding 75 years he pursued an eventful career at home and abroad as an organist and conductor.
At both Winchester Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, he commissioned and promoted much music by contemporary composers including Sir John Tavener, whose Song for Athene he conducted at the funeral of Princess Diana – an extraordinary service, described here in fresh detail.
Alongside modern music has been his long-standing interest in period instrument performance, with the concerts at the Abbey marking the tercentenary of the death of Henry Purcell being one of his most notable achievements. Throughout these years, Martin has been a passionate follower of cricket and “a true lover of the game,” as will emerge from time to time in the pages of this fascinating book.
The book priced at £25 can bought online at the RSCM shop.