Christopher Noel Rawsthorne (24 December 1929 – 28 January 2019)[1] was a British liturgical and concert organist and composer of music for his own instrument, as well as choral music.
In six years time later pursued organ studies under Harold Dawber at the Royal Manchester College of Music, after receiving a coveted exhibition. In 1949, he later became the Assistant Organist of the cathedral, and also received Associateship of the Royal College of Organists (ARCO) and was later elected a fellow (FRCO) in 1953.
In 1958, he received an education grant to study in Italy with Fernando Germani and later in Paris with Marcel Dupré.[2] He became Organist of Liverpool Cathedral in 1955, succeeding Harry Goss-Custard, and served in this capacity until 1980.[3] While there, he composed many original choral works, such as the Festive Eucharist (1978) which is still sung regularly by churches across the Anglican Diocese of Liverpool. Until 1993, Rawsthorne was Senior Lecturer in Music at St Katharine's College, Liverpool (now Liverpool Hope University).[citation needed]
Rawsthorne received an honorary doctorate in music from the University of Liverpool and his work with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra included supervision of the refurbishment of the Rushworth and Dreaper organ in the Philharmonic Hall and he sustained substantial friendships, personal and professional, with successive Maestros of the Philharmonic. He mentored Ian Tracey (later a professor), who succeeded his position of Organist of Liverpool Cathedral in 1980.[citation needed]
To commemorate Rawsthorne's 83rd birthday, a CD of 23 of his works was recorded by Gordon Stewart; including many compositions never previously recorded.[citation needed]
