David Abbott: Memorial Choral Evensong
David Abbott spent his childhood in Wymondham. He joined the Abbey Choir in 1971 as a chorister and later progressed to become a young choirman singing bass. He held the very first Abbey Music Scholarship which initiated his studies at the piano and organ. Later, the Buckton Rice Memorial Trust made vocal tuition possible. He started his academic career at Browick Road School, won a scholarship to Norwich School and went on to read modern languages at Christchurch Oxford. As a student he sang with Oxford’s “Schola Cantorum and also was a member of Exeter College Choir. After graduating with first class honours David embarked on a period of research at the University of Bonn before returning to Oxford to continue his studies. During this period he gained professional qualifications both as an organist and as a Solicitor. Having moved to London in the early 2000’s he held posts as organist and choral director in several churches. He also became associated with the choir of All Saints Hertford and frequently assisted as both singer and organist. A move north took David to Howden Minster as Organist and Director of Music for three years. In recent years David pursued a teaching career and taught languages throughout Europe. His last post was in the city of Valencia, Spain where he had settled and where his untimely death from a stroke occurred.
David’s family and friends will remember him at a Memorial Service of Choral Evensong in Wymondham Abbey on Saturday 10th March 2011 at 4.00pm. All are welcome to attend
Tim Semmence