Herman Brearley (died 1940) was an English cathedral organist, who served in Blackburn Cathedral.The Succession of Organists. Watkins Shaw.
Background Herman Brearley was born in Batley, Yorkshire. In 1905, he and his wife lived in Hastings.
He was a chorister and then assistant organist at Lichfield Cathedral.20th Century Cathedral Organists. Enid Bird.
He was appointed Conductor of the Preston Choral Society in 1918, and conductor of the Blackburn Philharmonic Choral Society in 1922. He was also the Conductor of the Meistersingers Society, the Northrop Male Voice Choir and the Grammar School Society.
He was also Blackburn Borough organist, the first holder of the post, 1922 - 1930.The Musical Times. July 1940 His family moved to Blackburn in 1924.
He was also Music Master at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Blackburn.
In 1935, he became teacher of singing, sight-singing and musical dictation at the Royal Manchester College of Music.The history of the Royal Manchester College of Music, 1893-1972. Michael Kennedy.
In 1937, he succeeded Harold Dawber as Chorus Master of the Hallé Choir.The Hallé tradition: a century of music By Michael Kennedy.
Private life He married Mabel Daisy Root (1880–1962), who was a pianist and piano teacher. They had three children including Molly Brearley, who led the Froebel Educational Institute from 1955 to 1970.
Career Assistant Organist of: Lichfield Cathedral, ?–1895
Organist of: Halstead Parish Church, Essex, 1895–1901 Holy Trinity, Hastings, 1901–???? All Saints, Hastings, ?–1916 Blackburn Cathedral, 1916–1939
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