Herbert Sumsion

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Herbert Sumsion (14 January 1899–11 August 1995) was an English organist and composer in the Anglican church music tradition.

Sumsion was organist and choirmaster of Gloucester Cathedral from 1928 to 1967, during which time he was an influential director of the Three Choirs Festival. Originally appointed to Coventry Cathedral, he was a member of the selection board to appoint an Organist at Gloucester following the sudden death of Sir Herbert Brewer. Sumsion let it be known he would like the post for himself, and was duly appointed! He is remembered as a composer for his service settings and anthems such as They that go down to the sea in ships; he also wrote music for the organ. He enjoyed personal friendships with many English composers of the inter-war period, especially Holst, Vaughan Williams and Elgar.

He also wrote a number of light orchestral works, such as A Mountain Tune.