Remembering Dr Harry Bramma (Hon OV) – Former Director of Music

Dr Harry W Bramma passed away on 23rd August 2026, at the age of 89. Born in Shipley, he attended Bradford Grammar School before studying Music and Theology at Oxford University, where he was Organ Scholar of Pembroke College, achieving both BA and MA.

Harry began his teaching career as Director of Music at King Edward VI School in Retford. In 1964 he became Assistant Organist at Worcester Cathedral and joined King’s as Assistant Director of Music. A year later he became Director, a role he held until 1976.

During his time at King’s, Harry’s enthusiasm and infectious love of music, along with his close connection with Cathedral, led to not only a generation of choristers who developed into outstanding musicians, but also a legacy of music at King’s that remains strong to this day. This includes the installation of the organ in College Hall in 1969, due to the great increase in boys wanting to learn – inspired by Harry. He tutored over 40 students, (including 10 Oxbridge Organ Scholarships), and all to prestigious appointments in music here and internationally.

As a teacher, he went way beyond the syllabus, introducing a wide variety of music, from his beloved fellow Yorkshireman Delius, via the opera Arabella to Sergeant Pepper. Known for his hospitality, before lessons, pupils were sometimes asked to purchase cream cakes from the local Claptons shop.

Exacting but generous, he had a wonderful turn of phrase, such as, giving you a gentle prod, “you should know that!”. He was a connoisseur of beer, and bemoaned a brew in his native Yorkshire as being “not what it was isn’t Tetleys”, thereafter known as the Brammarian double negative.

From walking holidays in the Black Mountains for choristers to trips to Birmingham Town Hall, lives were widened and enriched.

Even those boys who were not necessarily musically strong enjoyed their lessons with Harry, infected by his joy and passion for music, and his humour and kindness.

Dr Harry Bramma (Hon OV) reuniting with some of his former pupils from the 1960s, taken in 2025

After King’s, Harry became Organist and Director of Music at Southwark Cathedral, thereafter Director of the Royal School of Church Music, and subsequently Director of Music at All Saints, Margaret Street in London, until he semi retired in 2004. Altogether a major figure in church and organ music, much revered.

Harry published his autobiography, Not Half Bad, in 2025, giving a unique insight into his musical and ecclesiastical life. The ‘young Harry’ photo used in this article is from the front cover of his book, which is published by the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM)

With thanks to OV Nicholas Cleobury (Ch 58-68)