Sydney Nicholson

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Sir Sydney Hugo Nicholson (February 9, 1875 – May 30, 1947) was an English choir director, organist and composer, now chiefly remembered as the founder of the Royal School of Church Music. He was born in London (the son of Charles Nicholson) and educated at Rugby School, New College, Oxford and the Royal College of Music. He was organist at Barnet Parish Church, Lower Chapel, Eton College, Carlisle Cathedral, Manchester Cathedral, and Westminster Abbey.

In 1927 Nicholson founded the School of English Church Music, initially meeting at St Sepulchre-without-Newgate. He was editor of Hymns Ancient and Modern, still the standard hymn book in many Anglican churches today, and also wrote the hymn tune Crucifer for the popular hymn Lift High the Cross.

He was knighted in 1938 and died at Ashford, Kent at the age of 73. He was buried at Westminster Abbey.