Colin Mawby (9 May 1936 – 24 November 2019) was an English organist, choirmaster and composer best known for his work in Catholic church music and for directing broadcast choirs. His career combined liturgical appointment, composition for voices and an international profile as a conductor whose recordings and broadcasts introduced contemporary liturgical repertoire to a wide public.
Career and appointments
Mawby served as Master of Music at Westminster Cathedral from 1961 until 1981, where he oversaw the cathedral choir's repertoire, liturgical duties and recordings. After leaving Westminster he relocated to Ireland and became choral director at Radio Telefís Éireann (RTÉ), directing professional and amateur ensembles for broadcast, concert and studio work. His roles bridged sacred and secular spheres, bringing cathedral standards to radio and television performance.
Compositions and musical characteristics
He wrote extensively for choir: masses, motets, anthems, service settings and works for children’s voices. His music is valued for clear vocal writing, practical scoring for liturgical use and an accessible harmonic language that supports congregational singing and choir performance alike. Performers praise the singability and liturgical appropriateness of many of his shorter pieces.
Notable roles and output
- Master of Music, Westminster Cathedral (1961–1981)
- Choral Director, Radio Telefís Éireann (RTÉ)
- Composer of liturgical works, anthems and choral arrangements
Legacy and honours
Mawby received papal recognition in 2006 when he was appointed a Knight of the Order of St. Gregory (KSG), an honor that acknowledges service to Catholic music. His works continue to be performed by parish choirs, school ensembles and cathedral choirs, and recordings and broadcasts preserve his contribution to 20th‑century choral practice. He also supported education in choral singing through workshops, broadcasts and collaborations with professional singers.
For further information on Westminster Cathedral and related choral traditions see Westminster Cathedral, and for his work with Irish broadcasting and choirs consult resources at RTÉ.
Colin Mawby died on 24 November 2019 at the age of 83. His music remains part of the repertoire for church services and concert programmes that seek approachable yet artistically satisfying choral writing.