Scots mourn influential conductor
mainWe have received reports of the death of John Currie, at the age of 85.
Chorus master of the Scottish National Orchestra Chorus from 1966, Currie succeeded Arthur Oldham as director of the Edinburgh Festival Chorus. He formed the John Currie Singers and in 1985 became conductor of the Los Angeles Master Chorale for several years.
His son Justin is a singer and songwriter, co-founder of the band Del Amitri.
RIP my old friend.
John was the chorus master of Scottish Opera Chorus when was there but he seemed to have the monopoly over most choral music in Scotland at the time as well as his John Currie Singers for whom I never sang. I decided to leave the chorus after 18 months and go back to England. He then generously gave me quite a bit of well-paid solo work at home and abroad. Will always remember Israel in Egypt in Naples for the RAI with Christine Cairns, Neil Mackie and a bass whose name escapes me. Life moved on. I certainly got on well with him.
Bill McCue?
Or Peter Morrison, or Stephen Roberts? Just suggestions.
Sopranos Irene Drummond and Llyndall Trotman, mezzo Christine Cairns, tenor Stewart Patterson, bass Stephen Roberts. performed in Jerusalem Theatre then on top of a red rock Eilat. Dec/Jan 1981/82.
A great man. RIP
sorry forgot John Hearne baritone
RIP
Following in the steps of Arthur Oldham at the Edinburgh Festival and then Scottish Opera could have been a difficult task. After all, Karajan had called Oldham one of the three finest chorus directors in Europe. But John fitted so well into the role. He was no doubt assisted by his good and long friendship with Sir Alexander Gibson with whom he did some of his best work. But his stature was also very high with other major conductors. I recall especially the superb Verdi Requiem in the Usher Hall with Abbado and the LSO with Jessye Norman taking the mezzo part along with Margaret Price, Jose Carreras and Ruggero Raimondi.
RIP John, my inspiration, friend and mentor in my early singing days. JC gave so much to so many and always remained kind, approachable and totally modest.
John was my choir master at the Scottish National Orchestra Chorus. I sang with them in 1975 /76 and 77 and was on both USA tours. He was an inspiration ,so knowledgeable and a lovely man. He will always be with me. Jim Miller (T2)