Jackson, Francis Alan

Composer

b Malton, N Yorks 1917. York Minster Choir Sch and chorister 1929–33; Univ of Durham (studying under Sir Edward Bairstow, who proved a formative and lasting influence). After serving as Organist of Malton Parish Ch (N Yorks, 1933–40) followed by varied wartime activities, in 1946 he was back at York Minster as Asst Organist (briefly) and then Organist and Master of the Choristers, remaining there until retirement in 1982. From 1947 he was Conductor of the York Symphony Orchestra (to 1980) and the York Music Society (to 1982); he was also a consultant on organ design and a recitalist in the UK and USA with particular skills in demonstrating the range and scope of each instrument. He has written a symphony and an organ concerto, 6 sonatas and much choral and other church music including one modern classic hymn tune. ARCO 1936, FRCO 1937, Durham BMus and DMus (1937, 1957); Hon DMus (York) (1982), OBE 1978, and several other musical degrees and honours. No.916.