Tributes have been paid to composer and conductor Ronald Corp, who, as well as founding groups like the New London Orchestra, worked with the BBC over the course of his career
BBC musician Richard Corp has died, it’s been announced. The conductor and composer had enjoyed a decades-long career in music, including having worked with the BBC on several occasions. It has been announced that Ronald died, aged 74, in Bath on Wednesday. The news has prompted tributes to the late musician, who was also ordained as a priest, with those who knew him remembering him on social media.
Ronald is known as the founder of both the New London Orchestra (NLO) and the New London Children’s Choir (NLCC), which launched in 1988 and 1991 respectively. More recently, he had been the musical director of the London Chorus for over 30 years after taking on the role in 1994.
Over the years, Ronald had worked with the BBC, including having conducted its BBC Concert Orchestra on occasion. He’s said to have made his first appearance at the BBC Proms in the Albert Hall in 1990 with the BBC Club Choir.
The news of Ronald’s death was announced by the London Chorus, including on Instagram last night. They wrote beside a photo: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Musical Director, Ronald Corp, on 7th May. Ron was a highly talented composer, conductor and chorus master.”
The caption continued: “He was motivated at all times by the sincerity of his love of music and of the people with whom he made it. He had been associated with The London Chorus for 40 years, 30 of those as Musical Director, and was a staunch advocate for choral music and singing.”
And the choir concluded: “Just over a year ago, we had the joy of being conducted by Ron in a performance of Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius. It was one of many highlights in a long and richly fulfilling relationship. Ron will be missed hugely by us all. ‘Go forth upon thy journey, Christian soul!'”
Classic FM also shared the news yesterday. A post on the radio station’s account read: “Ronald Corp OBE, composer, conductor, ordained priest and a great champion of English choral music, has died aged 74. Corp founded the New London Orchestra and the New London Children’s Choir, and was due to perform one of his own works at this year’s Three Choirs Festival in Hereford. Thank you for the music, maestro.”
The post was met with tributes to Ronald. One person reacted in the comments section: “Truly sad news, Ron was a fabulous musician and a lovely person.” Whilst another said: “A huge loss – he will be remembered so fondly.”
Someone else wrote in their response to Classic FM’s post: “Such an honour to have sung for him for so many years in NLCC. He made me LOVE singing and music. Always so much fun to be around him. Will be greatly missed.”
A fourth said in their comment that Ron’s legacy “will live on”. They wrote: “Thank you for the music for making a difference in so many children’s lives. Your legacy will live on.”
Sharing their thoughts, another person reacted to the news: “Oh how sad – I was in the BBC Club choir when he was conductor and he was lovely!” Someone else commented on the platform yesterday: “Rest in peace dear Ron.”
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