Distinguished Musician

New Zealand Listener, Volume 22, Issue 554, 3 February 1950, Page 12

Distinguished Musician

R. J. C. BRADSHAW, who died in Christchurch on January 16, was one of New Zealand’s most distinguished musical _ figures. Formerly the Christchurch Cathedral ‘organist and Professor of Music at Canterbury | University. College, he ,was associated with broadcasting over many years, He | was one of New Zea-

‘land’s finest organists, j}and his broadcast re- | citals were both "popular and held in high esteem. He did much to champion the work of Elgar, and one of his last recitals was of Elgar’s Sonata for Organ in G Major, Op. 28. He was conductor at various times of most of the ‘Christchurch choral societies, and founded the Male Voice Choir there in 1917. As choirmaster at the Cathedral he had a wide influence, in this sphere of music, and many hundreds of boys passed through his exacting hands, to their own benefit, and to the benefit of musical standards throughout the country. Dr. Bradshaw was born in Ldncashire in 1876, and later was appointet assistant organist at the _| Manchester Cathedral. | After winning many scholarships and diplomas he became in rn

1898, at the age of 22, the youngest Doctor of Music in the British Empire. He came to New Zealand in 1902, and in addition to his musical activities was a member of the New Zealand Alpine Club. Several years ago he gave the bulk of his extensive music library, jncluding hundreds of text-books and scores, to the Christchurch Public Library.