Tributes paid to eminent Pudsey organist Simon Lindley

Renowned Pudsey organist Doctor Simon Lindley has passed away, aged 76.

Dr Lindley died on Monday, February 25. He served as organist and master of the music at Leeds Minster from 1975 until 2016 and lived in Fulneck, Pudsey.

He was also conductor of Sheffield Bach Choir until 2023.

A minute’s silence was held at Wednesday’s meeting of full council in Leeds Civic Hall.

Leeds Lord Mayor Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung paid tribute to Dr Linley: “Simon was master of music at Leeds Minster and also Leeds city organist for over 40 years.

“He was presented with the Leeds Award in 2017 for his immense contribution to music in the city.”

All councillors present stood in a minute’s silence to honour Dr Linley.

A tribute posted on the Leeds Minster website said: “Dr Lindley was one of the finest British organists of his generation, and renowned for his impassioned advocacy and practice of church music.

“His influence at Leeds Parish Church (as Leeds Minster was then known), but also within the wider musical community of Leeds and his beloved West Riding, was profound and enduring.

“A colourful – some might say technicolor – character, he leaves behind a legacy marked by lives enriched through his music-making and generous friendship, along with many cherished memories and anecdotes.”

As choirmaster, Dr Lindley nurtured young singers, enabling them to achieve high standards of sight-reading and performance while fostering their musical and personal confidence.

He was President of the Royal College of Organists from 2000-2003, and of the Incorporated Association of Organists 2003-2005.

The tribute concluded: “His encouragement, time, and support were selflessly given to singers, organists, instrumentalists, and others who collaborated with him.

“His legacy endures not only for those with whom he worked closely in their ongoing music-making and contribution to church music, but also in the brief yet treasured moments of musical connection or kind words that he shared with so many more.

“Tributes and memories shared across social media testify to the extraordinary impact he had on countless lives.”

Leeds Philharmonic Chorus posted: “Simon was a major force in the music life of Yorkshire and especially Leeds, and will be missed by so many. He was a superb organist (being the city organist until he retired) as well as being a gifted teacher, composer and leader of many of the big Yorkshire choirs over the years.

“At the time of his death he was still our Vice President and prior to that he spent many years as a Trustee and our Music Programme Manager. We pass our condolences to his family and friends at this time.”

Andrew Edwards, formerly of BBC Radio Leeds, posted on X: “Very sad to learn that Dr Simon Lindley has died. A lovely man, hugely inspiring musician and teacher and – for many years – a wonderful guide through classical music @BBCLeeds.”

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