Sydney Nicholson

From Freepedia

Sir Sydney Hugo Nicholson (February 9 1875 – May 30 1947) was an English choir director, organist and composer, now chiefly remembered as the founder of the Royal School of Church Music.

He was born in London, and educated at Rugby School, New College, Oxford and the Royal College of Music.

He played the organ at:

• Barnet Parish Church
• Lower Chapel
• Eton College
• Carlisle Cathedral
• Manchester Cathedral
• Westminster Abbey

In 1927 Nicholson founded the School of English Church Music. He was editor of Hymns Ancient and Modern, which is still the standard hymn book in many Anglican churches today. He also wrote the hymn tune Crucifer for the popular hymn Lift High the Cross.

He was knighted in 1938 and died at Ashford, Kent at the age of 73. He was buried at Westminster Abbey.