It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of one of the choir’s most stalwart accompanists, Dorothy Kirk, who passed away on 23rd June 2026 aged 96 years.
Dorothy Kirk
Following its formation in 1988, Denbigh & District Male Voice Choir was initially accompanied by Julie Howatson for the first few months. Due to other commitments, Julie was unable to continue and Dorothy Kirk, former Head of Music at Huyton College for Girls in Liverpool, became the accompanist for the next 15 years.
Between 1988 and 2001 the choir had the formidable duo of Phyllis Dryhurst-Dodd, Conductor, and Dorothy Kirk, Accompanist, at the helm. The choir went from strength to strength under their leadership.
Dorothy was an extremely talented and sympathetic Choir Accompanist who was also in great demand as guest accompanist for other choirs and many soloists.
In 2001, Arwyn Roberts took over the baton of the choir and Dorothy continued as our accompanist for a further three years until she decided to retire in 2004. She was a very hard act to follow.
Dorothy was born in Oswestry but lived most of her life in Denbigh. She studied at Cardiff University under Patrick Piggott obtaining the Licentiate Of The Royal College of Music (L.R.A.M.).
For many years she was the Organist at St. Dyfnog’s Church in Llanrhaeadr and was also the accompanist for the Eisteddfod Choir at the National Eisteddfod of Wales when it was held at Denbigh in August 2001.
As well as being a very loyal, dedicated and talented accompanist, Dorothy was also just a very kind and lovely person who was badly missed by all choristers when she retired from the choir.
Rest In Peace Dorothy, and if you are accompanying the ‘Choir of Angels’ in Heaven, please try to reserve a few places for your former choristers.
