Sylvia Junge

Obituary

It is with the greatest sadness that we announce the passing of Sylvia Junge ARCM, GRSM, FRSA.

Sylvia trained as a pianist at the Royal College of Music, graduating in 1958. She went on to lead a musical life of astonishing variety. She taught in schools — Wembley County Grammar School, Mayfield School in Putney, Aiglon College in Switzerland, Heathland School in Hounslow and finally at Kingston College — and gave private piano lessons for many years. Her forays into artist management brought her close to the composers Erika Fox, Simon Bainbridge and Tim Souster.

Work at the Dartington International Summer School (under William Glock) led to a deep friendship with Peter Maxwell Davies that lasted over four decades. It was her devotion to Max that led her to put much of her own life on hold to care for him during and after his cancer treatment in 2013. She was a Trustee of the Peter Maxwell Davies Trust, which was set up after the composer’s death in 2016.

Her care for Max goes to the heart of Sylvia's great gift for friendship. Always curious and engaged with the world, she cultivated a friendship group that was cross-generational and international. During her illness, visits and heartfelt messages left Sylvia in no doubt as to how deeply she was loved.

A Celebration of Sylvia's life will be held later this year.

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