Martin Neary 1940-2025

Amongst Eton fives players who have enjoyed distinguished careers is Martin Neary, former Organist and Master of the Choristers at Westminster Abbey, who has died aged 85.

Neary achieved international fame as Director of Music for the funeral of Princess Diana.

Martin Neary was a pupil at City of London School and a chorister at the Chapel Royal, St James's Palace. Although his choral duties made many demands on his time, he managed to involve himself in a wide range of activities at school, particularly cricket and fives. He was a member of the school fives team and played in the Public School Championships. One of his fives partners was Michael Brearley, later to become Captain of the England cricket team.

As an internationally renowned organist, conductor and choirmaster, Martin graced many of the world's great stages and his has been one of the most significant careers in church music in modern times. A superlative musician, he inspired generations of choristers and Martin will be remembered with respect and admiration for the role played in shaping the sound and standards of British choral music for more than half a century. He was resolute in expanding cathedral repertoire and championing new music.

Martin died following complications from Parkinson's disease.

Gordon Stringer/Dale Vargas