British composer, 69, dies in Warsaw
RIPThe composer Colin Touchin, chief conductor of the Lufthansa staff orchestra and of the Hong Kong Welsh Male Voice Choir, has died at his home in Warsaw.
The cause was pancreatic cancer.
A former director of music at the University of Warwick, he was active in music making across the English Midlands. He will be widely missed.
I knew Colin well in the early days as he was born and bread in Sale, Cheshire, where I was living in the 80s. He also employed me as his soprano soloist a couple of times whilst he was about twelve years at Warwick University and before he went abroad. Such a lovely fellow and very talented. His family and close friends will be devasted. Pancreatic cancer is one of those awful silent cancers that creaps up on you until it’s so often too late when found. May he rest in peace.
This is very sad. I was recently in contact with Michael Brand in connection with a writing project. Colin Touchin conducted the Birmingham performance in March 1996 of Brand’s cantata “Pioneer 10” with libretto by Judge Smith. Touchin had recently expressed an interest in reviving “Pioneer 10”. This will now, sadly, not happen.
Touchin was, from what I have gathered, a wonderful musician and very pleasant man who made a deep impact in those who worked with him.
Rest in peace.
He was also a fine player of and advocate for the recorder and a fine clarinettist. RIP
All members of the Lufthansa Orchestra miss him terribly
In memory of Colin, we are raising money for Hospicjum Domowe im. Cicely Saunders.
https://www.facebook.com/donate/642169314072472/10228746436184426/
As a composition student under him growing up at EYSM, we grew close. He was a great teacher, such a sweet man and so supportive. What a huge loss for the industry and to me on a personal level. I’m grateful for the time we shared. Till we meet again.