Robert Presley
Originally from Alabama, Robert Presley moved to London in 2002 from San Francisco, where he had sung with San Francisco Opera for many years.
Once in Europe he went on to sing many roles, notably those of Verdi, as well as oratorio, and in recital.
It was while singing Rigoletto in France that Robert met Ben Woodward, the then Director of Music at St John's, who invited him to sing with the Schola Cantorum, which Robert was delighted to do.
A keen church musician, having sung in church since a child, Robert soon became a much loved member of the Schola, and indeed of the community at St John's, bring his passion and enthusiasm, humour and large personality to every service - especially so at holiday times. He was also well known for his fabulous cooking and baking, and giving of parties!
Robert was a founder member of Fulham Opera, who now hold a biennial Robert Presley Verdi Competition which attracts entries from around the world.
He died suddenly on the 10th April, 2013, just as he was about to start rehearsals for the Longborough Ring - the beginning of another chapter.
Ronald Corp wrote a setting of the E. E. Cummings poem "I carry your heart" when Robert Presley died in 2013. It was a poem particularly close to Robert's own heart, having sung it in John Duke's setting for voice and piano.
Corp's setting was first sung at Robert's funeral on May 1st, 2013.
It was subsequently recorded by the chamber choir Chantage for their album My Promise - a collection of music 'to celebrate that everyone can now marry the person they love.'
A year later, and also in Robert's memory, Ronald Corp composed a setting of George Herbert's Antiphon - 'Let all the world in every corner sing, My God and King.'
On Robert Presley's death, a Scholarship Programme was set up in his name, as a living memorial.
