You may be interested in this sad news....
From the Liverpool Cathedral Facebook page:We're deeply sad to confirm that Dr. Noel Rawsthorne, Organist of Liverpool Cathedral (1955 - 1980) and Organist Emeritus since 1980, died peacefully on January 28th 2019 after a long period of ill health.
Ian Tracey writes:
" Chrissie & Chris Rawsthorne and Liz, his wife, have requested a very private cremation, followed by a great service of thanksgiving and celebration at the Cathedral on Sunday 3rd March at 3.00pm. Noel's ashes will be interred under the North-side of the organ, alongside those of Henry Goss-Custard, during Evensong on Saturday 19th October, preceding the 93rd Anniversary Recital.
May he rest in peace and rise in Glory.
Noel Rawsthorne (1929-2019) was Organist of Liverpool Cathedral for twenty-five years from 1955-1980 thereafter becoming Organist Emeritus. After study at the Royal Manchester College of Music (now The Royal Northern College of Music), he won scholarships to study with both Germani & Dupré. From 1980-1984 he was City Organist & Artistic Director at St. George's Hall, Liverpool, and travelled widely as a recitalist in U.K. Europe and USSR. In recognition of his many achievements, he was awarded a D.Mus from the University of Liverpool in 1994.
Noel Rawsthorne at the console of the Willis Organ in Liverpool Cathedral
(probably the 1939 console - now removed)