In Memoriam

The Freddie Steyn Bursary Fund

Former member Freddie Steyn left a legacy gift to Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus to enable members on low income to attend national and international choral festivals.

Freddie was probably the nearest thing to a true gentleman that we have ever had in our ranks, according to Chorus members who remember him. Freddie’s favourite song in our repertoire was Tim Nail’s arrangement of Wrecking Ball. Maybe the classical feel appealed to him because of his long history of singing with more traditional choirs. Or maybe it had something to do with his past career as an architect? After retiring, he said BrightonGMC had given him a new lease of life. From when he joined in February 2010 until his health failed him, he drove a round trip of 70 miles to attend rehearsals every week. He was a dedicated and gifted singer. Many Tenor 2’s would try to sit as near to him as possible because he would always be singing the right notes and would be the one keeping track of ad hoc changes to the score. Freddie was also the generous host of several T2 Sectional Sunday Lunch and Piano Recitals, aided by his husband Paul and Tim.

Freddie died on 12th April 2020, and is remembered very fondly by those privileged to know him.