By Andrew Green
It is with great sadness that we learnt last week of the passing of John Bence, organist and choirmaster at St Mary’s for over 50 years, following a three-year battle with Alzheimer’s. John was a remarkable man in so many ways and his contribution to the music at St Mary’s and further afield will never be forgotten. He established a fine choral tradition over many years which was enhanced each Christmas when he invited other singers to join the choir for the carol service – always on the first Sunday after Christmas and with John’s own individual style always evident.
John had always had an interest in Early Music and in 1989 established the Leicester Early Music Festival. Initially this started as a three-day event over the late May Bank Holiday weekend with most events being held at St Mary’s. The festival soon became a great success and ran for thirty years, quickly expanding to a three-week event and attracted some of the leading exponents of Early Music including Emma Kirkby, The Sixteen and Michela Petri. As the festival expanded, further venues were used including Leicester Cathedral, The Guildhall, St Nicholas Church, the old costume museum and even some hostelries! Events also became more wide ranging including wine and whisky tastings and festival dinners. John also ran an annual come and sing choral workshop on the late May Bank Holiday morning at St Mary’s. This involved an intensive morning’s rehearsal followed by singing what had been learnt at the lunchtime mass. The amount of work involved in arranging the festival each year was phenomenal and is testament to John’s unfailing dedication and work ethic.
John also founded the Longslade Consort in 1979 – this was initially a group of ex pupils from Longslade School Birstall where he was Head of Music who wanted to carry on their music making under him after they had left. This gradually developed into an Early Music group and ran for almost forty years giving concerts across the country and bringing Early Music to people who wouldn’t otherwise have heard it.
There is so much more that could be said. John was a fine organist, teacher, instrument builder, tuner and repairer. (He single handily kept the increasingly failing organ at St Mary’s in working order). An excellent cook, dinner companion and someone who could put their hand to almost any DIY task! Most importantly a friend to so many and someone who has touched the lives of so many. RIP John- we will miss you.