Papers of George Guest

Carbon copies of typescript letters sent by Guest on St John's College choir and other business, papers relating to choir tours, and other miscellaneous correspondence.

Born in Bangor, Guest was educated at the King's School, Chester and became a fellow of the Royal College of Organists at the age of eighteen. Following service in the RAF, Guest came to St John's College in 1947 as organ student. He received his MusB degree in 1951 and was invited to succeed Robin Orr as College organist, a post he would hold for forty years. From humble beginnings, Guest turned St John's choir into one of international repute, with over sixty recordings. For the university, Guest acted as lecturer in music (1953-82) and university organist (1974-91). He was president of the Royal College of Organists (1978-80) and was appointed CBE in 1987. Guest loved Wales and all things Welsh, and was a passionate supporter of Chester City football club. He was survived by his wife Nancy and their two children.

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Transferred from St John's College Archives, 2008.

Born in Bangor, Guest was educated at the King's School, Chester and became a fellow of the Royal College of Organists at the age of eighteen. Following service in the RAF, Guest came to St John's College in 1947 as organ student. He received his MusB degree in 1951 and was invited to succeed Robin Orr as College organist, a post he would hold for forty years. From humble beginnings, Guest turned St John's choir into one of international repute, with over sixty recordings. For the university, Guest acted as lecturer in music (1953-82) and university organist (1974-91). He was president of the Royal College of Organists (1978-80) and was appointed CBE in 1987. Guest loved Wales and all things Welsh, and was a passionate supporter of Chester City football club. He was survived by his wife Nancy and their two children.

Preferred citation: St John's College Library, Papers of George Guest

2 Jun 2009

Published