John Kelsall

Composer, Choirmaster, Lecturer (1947-1986)

This is the holding page for the forthcoming site devoted to John Lawrence Kelsall PhD MA FLCM.

John Kelsall was a lecturer from 1977 to 1986 at Kingston Polytechnic, now Kingston University. Kelsall founded the Kingston Polytechnic Chamber Choir which still functions today.

A full biography of Kelsall will appear here soon, together with a list of of his compositions and links to publishers.

Kelsall's life and entire musical output is currently being researched, catalogued and edited by Benjamin Costello. www.bencostello.com.

John Kelsall Retrospective

An event celebrating the life and work of John Kelsall
Artistic Director - Benjamin Costello

Saturday, 4 November 2006
St. Andrew's Church, Surbiton

5pm Choral Evensong
Introit: Kelsall – Eternal God, we look to thee (1979)
Preces and Responses: Kelsall (Fourth Set, 1979)
Canticles: Kelsall – Magnificat (1986) and Nunc Dimittis (completed by Benjamin Costello, 2006)
Psalm Chant: Kelsall in C
Anthem: Kelsall – I call with my whole heart (1969)
Organ Voluntary: Kelsall – Rhapsody No. 3 (1986)

The choirs of St Andrew and St Mark, Surbiton, with members of the Clerkes of Old Sarum, Kingston Chamber Singers and guests
Organist – Simon Harvey
Choirmaster – Benjamin Costello

The service will be led by the Reverend Val Cory.

6:15pm Reception and Open Panel Discussion
Dr Peter Johnson, John Bate, Benjamin Costello

7:00 - 7:45pm Short Chamber Concert
Chamber works by John Kelsall to include Yes (1978), Sonata for Bassoon and Piano (1978), Sonata and Variations for Wind Quartet (1977)

Admission is free but donations are welcome.

This event takes place to mark the 20th anniversary of Kelsall's death, which occured on November the 4th, 1986.

Complaints and brick bats regarding this site can be addressed to Dirk Koopman Here.