Today, I attended the Memorial Service in St Michael’s Church, Cornhill, London EC3  for Richard Popplewell, my inspirational Organ Professor when I was at the RCM.  Richard was a truly excellent teacher, wonderfully described in the Address given by former pupil, Peter Wright, DoM of Southwark Cathedral.  Past pupils Andrew Nethsingha (DoM, St John’s College, Cambridge) and David Briggs (concert organist) played before (BWV544i) and after (Improvised Voluntary in Memoriam Richard Popplewell) respectively.

Jonathan Rennert, DoM at St Michael’s and former pupil, directed the professional choir in some of Richard’s hauntingly beautiful own compositions – There is no rose and The Lord is my Shepherd together with Justorum animae by Byrd and Thou knowest, Lord by Purcell.

Stephen Cleobury (DoM, King’s College, Cambridge) was present along with a congregation of over 100.

A fitting tribute to a wonderfully supportive and encouraging man who continues to have many grateful pupils dotted around the world.