Prayers for Martin Neary
Monday, 29th September 2025
The Abbey notes with sadness the death of Martin Neary, who was Organist and Master of Choristers from 1988 to 1998.
As a 13-year-old, Neary sang at the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. He was the Organist of St Margaret's Church from 1965 to 1971. During his tenure at the Abbey, he marked the tercentenary of Henry Purcell in 1995 with a concert which was broadcast live on the BBC.
In 1997, he directed the music for the Funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, for which he was appointed a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO). An advocate of the music of John Tavener, he conducted the composer’s Song for Athene as the coffin was carried out of the church.
The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, said:
“It was a great pleasure to meet Martin at the Abbey recently and to speak of a shared affection for the building and its worship. I am sorry to hear of his death. The Abbey will pray for him and his family.”
