A celebration of Colchester composer Roy Teed’s life is taking place at St Botolph’s Church this weekend.

Roy Teed, who died aged 89 last summer, was one of Colchester’s leading musical figures, was president of the Colchester Symphony Orchestra and a fellow of the Royal Academy of Music.

Roy was supposed to follow in his family’s footsteps and work at the Bank of England but instead made his living from music.

After a period of National Service with the RAF, he won a place at the Royal Academy of Music in 1949 and taught there until he retired in 1992. He also taught piano at Colchester Institute from 1966 to 1979 and became a part-time piano teacher at Colchester Sixth Form College between 1987 and 1999.

He had his work performed at venues including the Royal Albert Hall, the Royal Festival Hall and St Paul’s Cathedral.

Chris Phelps, musical director at the Colchester Symphony Orchestra, says: “Roy’s support of the orchestra over the decades has been unwavering and he has been a rock when the orchestra was going through periods of change. Not only was he our president for many years, he also wrote the programme notes for our concerts and we are able to carry on this legacy as he gave us permission to continue to use his notes after he had died.”

Whilst Roy was in hospital Chris discussed with Roy a concert to celebrate his 90th year. That concert has now become a celebration of Roy’s life and takes place on Saturday, as close to his birthday as possible. Including one of his own compositions, the concert takes place at St Botolph’s Church, Colchester, from 7.30pm. Tickets are £15, £13 for concessions, available on the door.