Simon Clarkson, a Scottish-born organist and music educator, passed away following a cancer diagnosis. He was 61 years old.
Clarkson was born in Preston, Lancashire, to Roy Clarkson, a clerical officer, and Jean Wilson, a journalist. He attended Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Blackburn before receiving a scholarship to Edinburgh University in 1983, where he studied composition under Kenneth Leighton. During his university years, he served as organ scholar at St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh and participated in a cathedral choir tour to the United States in 1984. He completed postgraduate studies in Paris and Caen following his graduation.
Clarkson established himself as a performer early in his career, reaching the finals of the National Young Organist of the Year competition in 1985 and becoming a fellow of the Royal College of Organists. He performed recitals at Westminster Abbey and various cathedrals internationally. His compositions included the anthem “Prevent Us, O Lord,” which received broadcast exposure on BBC Radio 3 from Chester Cathedral in 1995. Two of his organ pieces appeared in the Manchester Organ Album, with one composition winning second prize in the 2022 Manchester Organ composition competition.
Clarkson’s professional focus centered on music education rather than a performer-focused career. He held positions as assistant director of music at Rossall School in Fleetwood starting in 1987, followed by roles at St Lawrence College in Ramsgate from 1998 to 2003, Giggleswick School in Yorkshire from 2004 to 2006, and Sherborne School for Girls as head of academic music and organist from 2006 until 2021. He served as an ABRSM examiner between 1999 and 2026, traveling extensively in that capacity.
Clarkson is survived by his partner, Scott McDonald.
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