Stanley Vann

VANN, (William) Stanley. b. Leicester, 15 February 1910; d. 27 March 2010. Born into a Baptist family, he was educated privately, beginning to learn the piano at age 6. He was FRCO by the age of 20, and in 1931 he was appointed assistant organist at Leicester Cathedral. He was subsequently organist at Gainsborough Parish Church (1933-39) and at Holy Trinity, Leamington Spa (1939-42). He served in the Royal Artillery during World War II. On his return to Leamington Spa, he studied music under Edward Bairstow*. Vann was appointed organist of Chelmsford Cathedral in 1949. He was an active force in the musical life of each area in which he lived, founding orchestras and choirs, such as the...