Dr Francis Jackson CBE, Organist Emeritus dies aged 104

Internationally renowned organ recitalist, composer and former Master of Music at York Minster, Dr Francis Jackson CBE, has died at the age of 104. He died peacefully in York surrounded by family, on 10^th January 2022.

Born in 1917, Francis Jackson spent his childhood in the town of Malton. He first became involved in York Minster’s music as a schoolboy chorister in 1929. After active service as a soldier in the Second World War, he returned to York Minster in 1946 to become Master of the Music, succeeding his teacher and mentor, Sir Edward Bairstow. He served for a remarkable 36 years alongside his illustrious career as an internationally renowned organ recitalist and composer.

Paying tribute, The Dean of York, Jonathan Frost said;

“Today the community at York Minster mourns the loss of an inspirational Organist Emeritus. Until the very end of his life, Francis retained an active, humorous and intellectually razor-sharp interest in the musical life of York Minster. Francis has been an inspiration to generations of choristers and musicians alike; here in York and across the world. He leaves a living legacy in the vibrant life of the Choir of York Minster, through a body of work and musical compositions which are sung or played at the Minster on a regular basis. We will miss him very much and pray for Alice, Edward, William and his family at this time.”

York Minster’s Director of Music, Robert Sharpe said:

“The world of church music has lost one of the great legends of our time with the death, peacefully, of Dr Francis Jackson CBE, beloved Organist Emeritus of York Minster. His was a remarkably long and illustrious life and he remained active as a superb organ recitalist into his tenth decade and, as a composer, into his eleventh. His name will forever be associated with York Minster where he served for so many years and whose organ was made justly famous by his pioneering recordings. As a composer, he is best known for his choral and organ works which are widely performed at home and abroad; his prolific output remains a lasting legacy. His last visit to the Minster was to hear the recently-restored organ, a visit which brought him and us all great joy. Our love and prayers are with Alice, Edward, William and the family and with the very many who were privileged to count him as a friend. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.”

Share this post