Vincent Raymond, 1932-2015

Vincent Raymond sang with the choir from 2000 to 2013, retiring at the astonishing age of 81 in order to conserve his energies for his orchestral playing, as deputy leader of the Manchester Beethoven Orchestra. It was his second stint in the choir, the first one stretching from about 1960 to about 1980. In all, then, he served the cathedral choir for over thirty years, and was a splendid example of enthusiastic dedication. His 80th birthday celebrations were perhaps something the choir had never had before, and never will again. Requiescat in pace.