In Memory of Richard Chester

Richard Chester MBE, 1943-2020

A few weeks ago we were saddened by the sudden and unexpected death of Richard Chester – for many years the Chair of the Edinburgh Quartet Trust. He was a pioneering giant for music in Scotland, having made a crucial difference to many people’s lives. The many recent fine tributes to him have indeed been well deserved, and have given a good impression of the broad expertise which he possessed and generously shared.

He was a superbly well-organized Administrator, always on top of his brief, open to take in differing viewpoints, though having his own well focused ideas which were not in- frequently ‘out of the box’. He was committed to creating opportunities for young musicians in several different fields, and the way these were enhanced through Richard’s endeavours, was remarkably broad-ranging. As the pioneering Administrator of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, he established its international reputation with prestigious appearances at venues such as the Royal Albert Hall in London as part of the Henry Wood Promenade Concerts, and with tours abroad. He broadened its remit with the foundation of the Training Orchestra (formerly the National Children’s Orchestra), with the special group, Camerata, and, later, the NYOS Jazz Orchestra. He was Chair of the celebrated St Mary’s Music School in Edinburgh and was also Chair of the Edinburgh Quartet Trust. All these he led with deep knowledge of the music profession, with sensitivity, assurance, and a fund of wise counsel. He was a musician who put his wealth of experience at the service of others to their immense benefit.

I first got to know Richard when we were both students at the remarkable Music Department of the College of Technology in Huddersfield – basically a further education college, but crucially one in which music was the speciality. Even as a teenager, Richard was an extraordinarily gifted flautist, and I remember the pure, clear sound he made, which possessed a rare expressivity. It was therefore no surprise that after the Royal Academy of Music, he went on to have a distinguished career as a player. After an extended gap, I met up with Richard again as the Principal Flautist of the SNO (as it was then), when I was appointed Chorus Master. His supreme mastery of the flute was evident and is still heard in the many recordings on which he featured. His musicianship however was broad, and several times he conducted other ensembles, including the Aberdeen Chamber Orchestra, with tremendous success. He is still fondly remembered amongst those players who were fortunate to have played under his genial baton.

However, what is difficult to transmit is perhaps his most endearing quality. He was a thoroughly good man, of absolute and persuasive integrity. He was serious when required, with a formidable power of direct thought, which cut right through any pretence or humbug. He was also very human, with a ready sense of humour, and had a joy of sharing the foibles of human nature. He was a keen cricket supporter and was a Member of Durham Cricket Club – support for which he was, in his own words, ‘fanatical’. For all that he did for the world of music, for the opportunities he created for others, and for sharing his prodigious gifts so readily with those of us who were fortunate to count him as a loyal and wonderful friend, we are all enriched. Though his legacy will continue, we shall miss him as a much-valued colleague and friend. We send our deepest and heartfelt condolences to his wife, Sarah, and to all the family.

Roger B.Williams, M.B.E.
Director of Music and Organist to the Cathedral Church of St Machar, Old Aberdeen.
Member of the Edinburgh Quartet Trust.