Simon Lindley passed away in March 2025 following a short illness. He was appointed Conductor of Sheffield Bach Choir in 2009 and hugely enjoyed the renewal of associations with the city where his grandmother was born – and lived until her marriage on 20 June 1916 – and in which two of his cousins made their homes.
Dr Lindley served as Centenary President of Sheffield Organists’ and Choirmasters’ Association, founded in 1913. President of the Campaign for the Traditional Cathedral Choir, Simon was a former President of the Royal College of Organists, of the Incorporated Association of Organists and of Leeds Organists’ Association. He was Organist Emeritus of Leeds Minster [where he served as Organist and Master of Music from 1975 until 2016] and was Director of St Peter’s Singers, one of England’s finest chamber choirs – based at the Minster since its formation forty years ago in 1977. He was also Conductor of Doncaster Choral Society, to which post he was appointed in Autumn of 2010, and was Music Director of Overgate Hospice Choir in Halifax for over 25 years.
In July 2012 an honorary doctorate of the University of Huddersfield was conferred upon Simon Lindley in recognition of his contribution to choral singing locally in Yorkshire, nationally and internationally. He also held a doctorate of Leeds Metropolitan University and honorary fellowships from a number of musical institutions including the Royal School of Church Music, the Guild of Church Musicians and Leeds College of Music.
Simon’s earliest significant conducting experience was in the City of London and at St Albans. He retained very strong links with both for many years, and his work with community choruses and brass bands eas widely-acclaimed.
An extensive discography includes recordings with his Leeds-based choirs and two best-selling Naxos CDs as a solo organist including Handel Concertos with Northern Sinfonia.
One of Britain’s most popular musicians, Dr Lindley was a Freeman of the City of London and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Musicians. He was an elected member of the Trustee Council of the Royal College of Organists and other trusteeships included the Pilling Trust, The Halifax 900 Trust, the Friends of the Music of Leeds Minster and the Ecclesiastical Music Trust of which he was been Chairman. From 2010 to 2012, Simon served as Grand Organist to the United Grand Lodge of England and was Provincial Grand Organist to the Masonic Province of Yorkshire, West Riding.
In accordance with Dr Lindley’s wishes, a simple funeral was held at St John’s
Church, Moor Allerton (LS17 7BZ) on Tuesday 8 April at 12 noon, followed by his
burial in the churchyard there.
A Requiem Mass sung to the music of Maurice Duruflé took place at Leeds
Minster on Thursday 10 April at 8.00pm.
It is intended that a celebratory concert in memory of Dr Lindley will take place on
Saturday 18 October – more details will follow when available.
Sheffield Bach Society 