Memories of Paul Adrian Rooke | Ever Loved

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In memory of

Paul Adrian Rooke

Hitchin, UK

February 1, 1945 - November 19, 2019

Feb 1, 1945 - Nov 19, 2019

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Alan Tongue

Alan Tongue writes: So sorry to hear about Paul. We shared Elgar Society council meetings together plus all the fun that came immediately after them. The Society will particularly miss all his superb work on the Sibelius programme for the Elgar Complete Edition.

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Mervyn Miller

Paul was President of Letchworth Recorded Music Society from 2012 until his untimely death. He was generous with his time and was scheduled to give his latest programme to us at Letchworth Settlement on 'John McCabe, pianist, composer and friend' on Friday 20th March 2020. This will now be devoted to a tribute to Paul and feature a recording of McCabe's masterwork Notturni ed Alba. Our condolences to Paul's family and friends.
Dr Mervyn Miller, Chairman, Letchworth Recorded Music Society

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Christine Bozwood Davies

I was so sorry to hear of Pauls passing, he has been our organist for a few years now and has made choir practice fun with little outbursts of the hokey kokey. I miss him very much and send my love and condolences to all the family.

Christine

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Clive McCombie

I am so, so sorry to hear this news. Adrian and I were exact contemporaries at Caius and earlier this year he generously transposed a song for me. We had hoped to meet up but sadly this did not happen. I shall remember him with great affection and offer my thoughts and prayersfor him and his family. I live in Norfolk but will do my best to be there on 12 December. Clive McCombie

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Clifford Rowe

Hitchin Symphony Orchestra

Paul's generosity to HSO knew no bounds and we have much cause to be thankful to him, not least for introducing us to so much glorious music we might otherwise have missed. Works such as those by McCabe (especially Symphony No.4 'Of Time and the River'); Boughton (all 3 symphonies, of which I remember No.1 'Oliver Cromwell' particularly fondly); Arnold; Rubbra; Simpson (Symphony No.2, quite a 'hard nut'!); and of course the then recently-completed Elgar-Payne Symphony No.3, in the first performance by any amateur orchestra. Plus huge amounts of more mainstream Beethoven, Mozart, Brahms etc. etc. What a marvellous legacy! He is much missed.

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Jo Hughes

S.M.V.C.

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Comments:

S.M.V.C.

Not all the S.M.V.C. Concerts were that serious !!! Not all the S.M.V.C. Concerts were that serious !!! Not all the S.M.V.C. Concerts were that serious !!!... Read more

S.M.V.C.

Paul - Dressed and ready to conduct the S.M.V.C. at the Garden House Hospice, Christmas Concert. Paul - Dressed and ready to conduct the S.M.V.C. at the Garden House Hospice, Christmas Concert. Paul - Dressed and ready to conduct the S.M.V.C. at... Read more

S.M.V.C.

S.M.V.C.

Paul was involved in many music organisations around this area, and in 2005 became the highly respected Musical Director of The Stevenage Male Voice Choir. Over the last 14 years he steered the choir from strength to strength with his musicality and knowledge of choral singing.

Many of the arrangements of our most popular songs were created by Paul, and in particular Paul’s deep involvement with the Elgar Society and his love of this composer gave the inspiration to add words to Elgar's music which the choir included in many of its concerts. Under Paul's baton we performed at many concerts for deserving charities, performing by ourselves and with other musicians, such as his other major love, the HSO. Paul, always the professional, made sure other musicians had the correct acknowledgements for their work (even Andrew Lloyd-Webber!); his aim was not only to entertain but to educate and pass on his own love for music.

Paul’s relaxed and witty nature always enhanced our Friday night rehearsals, in particular his love of Peterborough United football club gave us many amusing comments and we will all miss the banter between Paul and other choir members who support their own teams. A kindly man he disliked embarrassing anyone, however they sang, but was always able to ensure we all sang to our best ability.

Our deepest sympathies are extended to Paul's family, during these difficult times, but hopefully they will realise the joy and professionalism that Paul gave to the SMVC. RIP.

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Kirsty Bignell

1990, Hitchin Girls' School, Highbury Road, Hitchin, UK

I first met Paul when he taught me music theory at North Herts Music School. He was then my music teacher throughout my years at Hitchin Girls" School. In 1990, whilst still at school, I wrote him s note sskjng if he would consider setting my favourite poem at the time to music, for me to sing. I believe he completed it within a month! In the years following I sadly lost it. In August last year, Paul contacted me to say that he had found his copy whilst going through some old papers. He emailed me a copy of his handwritten music and it is now a treasured possession. He was an inspirational teacher and a kind, funny, generous friend. I feel privileged to have known him.

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Duncan McColl

1968, High Wycombe, UK

From a Junior Rating :
"I know the value of a kindly chorus" - So sang Able Seaman (later Captain) Rooke from the quarter deck of HMS Pinafore. Many years ago, when he was young and charming, he stepped three paces forward (or perhaps he was gently pushed) very shortly after joining the music department of the Royal Grammar School in High Wycombe. What a splendid Topman, and thankfully he could also hum a little!

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Jan Leak

Paul was in our thoughts during the last concert that he had prepared with Janet. We will miss him.
Jan Leak, Bassoon

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Helen Rowe

2011, Châtelaillon-Plage, France

I have happy memories of HSO’s exciting French Exchange, a few years ago. First, we hosted “l’Orchestre d’Harmonie de Chatellaion-le-Plage” (a windband); and then they in turn hosted us, in October 2011. We spent a happy few days based in Chatellaion-le-Plage, combining joint concerts with sight-seeing. Paul put a lot of work and care into organising this (in conjunction with the Knebworth Twinning Association). The concerts included, amongst other items, a number of pieces by British composers, such as Elgar and Holst, whom Paul was so keen to champion.

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Tracey de Vere White

1982, Hitchin Girls' School, Highbury Road, Hitchin, UK

A side of Paul not seen often in school...but the cheeky smile was so typical when up to mischief.

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Ann & John

2009, Sauzé-Vaussais, France

Happy memories of our many holidays with Paul in France. Here he is having a Magritte moment (it wasn't raining!) with his cousin Sue and her husband Gary.

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Tracey de Vere White

Mary Sabine

I will remember Paul from his years with the Stevenage Ladies Choir as our Deputy MD. Such a talented musician with a wonderful sense of humour - he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

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Tracey de Vere White

Mick Burr

2018, Peterborough F.C.

I got to know Paul through our local The Albert where we would meet up with fellow regulars Toby and Dick where we would put the worlds wrongs to right. He was a special man in so many ways, if you'd told me 20 years ago I would be a regular attendee at the HSO concerts I would have laughed, I'm now a Patron. It all down to Paul and his passion for music. Football was one of his other passions I was lucky enough to join him on a few of his visits to his beloved Posh. He leaves a massive hole in so many people's lives, none more than his family of whom he was so proud of. I'm just grateful that I was able to call him a friend. R. I. P. my friend.

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Toby Shelley

So sorry for your loss. Paul talked often about his family and was so proud of his children and the grandchildren for whom he was forever ferreting away loose change.
When I moved to Hitchin many years ago, he was one of the first people to befriend me in the Albert. I saw him most nights over the last more than 15 years. Just sitting in companionable silence or chatting football, music or politics or food, it was always a pleasure. He even came to love my Jack Russell and brought her treats despite his dislike of most dogs.
So many of his ex pupils held him in high regard. Sometimes there was a queue of young women at the bar wanting to say 'hello' to Mr Rooke.
Who but Paul could get up to a dozen blokes out of the boozer on a Saturday night to attend a concert?
Paul changed many lives and I am missing him as much as I am feeling grateful for the years of friendship.

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Mick Burr

Tracey de Vere White

Wendy Merritt

I will remember Paul as the Deputy Musical Director of the Stevenage Ladies Choir during my years as Chairman. Such a talented and passionate musician - his enthusiasm was contagious and his humour memorable.

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Mick Burr

Tracey de Vere White

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Created with love by Nicholas Rooke.

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