Cellist and conductor Geraint John dies aged 86

A LEADING Welsh musician who created a legacy of choral singing has died.

Tributes have been paid to cellist and conductor Geraint John following his death on January 15 at the age of 86.

Educated at Gowerton Boys Grammar School, Mr John, from Gowerton, was a contemporary of the composer Alun Hoddinott. Together the pair joined the National Youth Orchestra of Wales.

The cellist went on to attend the University College of Wales in Cardiff where he studied with Welsh musician George Isaac.

During his national service Mr John was a clarinettist with the central band for the RAF and marched at the Queen’s coronation. From there he went on to study at the International Cello Centre in London and took masterclasses with the talented cellist and teacher Maurice Eisenberg.

While working as a school teacher in the Midlands he was able to stretch his talents as a continuo cellist with the Nottingham Bach Society and the Midlands Sinfonia.

Returning to Wales in 1963, he was appointed as cellist in the chamber ensemble of the University College, Aberystwyth.

Chamber music remained a constant pleasure for the musician. Described fondly as a “social musician”, Mr John continued to play until two years before his death at Blaenos House Care Home in Llandovery.

For Mr John it was choral singing that was his greatest love and one which took him all over Wales, culminating in him conducting the National Eisteddfod Choir at Machynlleth in 1981.

Paying tribute, his son and cellist Gareth John said:“He was a social musician and enjoyed being with people.”