With sadness we report news of the death of Christopher Keyte.
Christopher was a pupil and head chorister at St Michael’s during the Second World War. His death was announced by his daughter Heulwen Finley, who has provided the following biography.
Our sympathies go to her and the rest of Christopher’s family at this time: ————————————
11.09.35 – 25.05.24
Christopher Keyte, baritone, from Shorne in Kent, began his singing journey as a very young chorister eventually becoming head chorister at St. Michael’s, Tenbury, during the war, singing some of the first solo recordings of a treble after Ernest Lough. He went to Alleyn’s School in Dulwich and flourished in that state school whose curriculum was energised by its music, drama and sports programme. Christopher made great progress in all these disciplines, and, after National Service, he gained a place as a Choral Scholar at King’s College, Cambridge in the final years of Boris Ord and was one of the first Choral Scholars to achieve a solo career. His father, Frank, was a constant member of the cathedral choral scene in the southeast, and Christopher followed him into this circuit including as a vicar choral at St. Paul’s Cathedral, before embarking on his career as a gifted recital and oratorio soloist.
Keyte was one of the eminent baritone singers of the last half of the twentieth century, singing, recording and broadcasting song recitals, and as soloist across the UK, Europe, Australia/NZ with major music festivals and innumerable choral societies. He premiered many new works by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, including The Lighthouse as part of The Fires of London, John Rutter, Betty Roe and Paul Patterson. He recorded prolifically with St. John’s College, Cambridge and with the many professional ensembles that flourished, including the Purcell Consort of Voices, Deller Consort, Louis Halsey Singers, Pro Cantione Antiqua, the Holst Singers, London Voices and the Ambrosian Singers, under Terry Edwards. He enjoyed 19 years both pre- and post-retirement in the chorus of the Royal Opera House, who valued his experience and professionalism, where he also covered and sang small roles. He performed with conductors including Sir Charles Mackerras, Raymond Leppard, Sir Adrian Boult and Sir Colin Davis.
It was in his retirement that he began to encourage the very youngest of singers forming the Children’s Voices of Enfield choir with his wife June Keyte. Boasting John Rutter as patron, they were justifiably proud of the concerts and travel that the young voices experienced.
He loved music until his final days in Kent, listening to his favourite operas, recordings from his own extensive personal collection and live broadcasts. Keyte is a former Professor of Singing at the Royal Academy of Music and his honours included an HonRAM and doctorate from Anglia Ruskin University.
He is survived by a sister, son, daughter and son-in-law, and grandchildren.
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