John Kelsall

Composer, Choirmaster, Lecturer (1947-1986)

This is the holding page for the forthcoming site devoted to John Lawrence Kelsall PhD MA FLCM.

John Kelsall was a lecturer from 1977 to 1986 at Kingston Polytechnic, now Kingston University. Kelsall founded the Kingston Polytechnic Chamber Choir which still functions today.

A full biography of Kelsall will appear here soon, together with a list of of his compositions and links to publishers.

Kelsall's life and entire musical output is currently being researched, catalogued and edited by Benjamin Costello. www.bencostello.com.

John Kelsall Retrospective

An event celebrating the life and work of John Kelsall took place at St. Andrew's Church, Surbiton, Surrey, England on Saturday, 4 November 2006. Choral Evensong led by the Reverend Val Cory was followed by a brief panel discussion on the life and work of John Kelsall. The evening concluded with a short chamber concert featuring a slection of Kelsall's secular works.

Artistic Director - Benjamin Costello

Choral Evensong
Introit: Kelsall – Eternal God, we look to thee (1979)
Preces and Responses: Kelsall (Fourth Set, 1979)
Canticles: Kelsall – Magnificat (1986) and Nunc Dimittis (Kelsall/Costello, 2006)
Psalm 22: Chants by S. S. Wesley, B. Costello and J. Kelsall
Anthem: Kelsall – I call with my whole heart (1969)
Organ Voluntary: Kelsall – Rhapsody No. 3 (1986)

The choirs of St Andrew and St Mark, Surbiton, and guests
Members of the Clerkes of Old Sarum
Members of Kingston Chamber Singers
Organist – Simon Harvey
Choirmaster – Benjamin Costello

Panel Discussion
Speakers: Dr Peter Johnson, John Bate, Benjamin Costello

Chamber Concert
Yes (1978)
Sonata for Bassoon and Piano (1978)
Three Miniatures (1979)

Performers
Heather Keens (soprano)
Victoria Medcalf (bass clarinet)
Ingrid Pearson (clarinet)
Neil Strachan (bassoon)
Julia Crowell (flute)
Mary Parker (flute)
Roger Beeson (piano)
Benjamin Costello (piano)

This event marked the 20th anniversary of Kelsall's death, which occured on November the 4th, 1986. The Surrey Comet covered the day's events in a feature article.