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Harry Brama (1936 – 2026)
NEWS |
It is with great sadness that the College has learnt of the death of alumnus and former organ scholar Harry Brama (1955, Theology and Music), an organist and choirmaster whose work would shape the future of church music.
Below, student George Charman (2023, History) shares a tribute to Harry, from one organ scholar to another, recognising Harry’s impact on the work of Pembroke College Chapel and cathedral musicians across the country.

Harry Bramma (eighth from left) with John Platt (Chaplain), Robert Stevens (Master), and former organ scholars on the occasion of the dedication of the Letourneau organ in 1995.
“It is with deep sadness that all of us at Pembroke noted Harry Bramma’s death this summer. He read Theology and Music and was Organ Scholar at Pembroke from 1955 to 1960, studying with Bernard Rose.
He went on to bring an immense vitality to the Anglican choral tradition across a long and varied career. He taught at King Edward VI School, Retford before becoming Assistant Organist at Worcester Cathedral and Director of Music at the King’s School, Worcester, where his pupils included Nicholas and Stephen Darlington, Adrian Partington, Andrew Millington, Jonathan Nott and Geoffrey Webber. Harry’s love for teaching also saw him teach at Christ Church, Oxford and King’s College, Cambridge. He was Director of Music at Southwark Cathedral and later Director of the Royal School of Church Music, ending his career as Director of Music at the Church of All Saints Margaret Street, London.
Harry’s life speaks of his dedication to cathedral music; his commitment to nurturing future generations of cathedral musicians continues to inspire Pembroke College Chapel’s work with Christ Church Cathedral School.
Harry will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.”
Harry’s funeral service will be held at Southwark Cathedral on Thursday, 8th October at 2.00pm. To RSVP, please get in touch with Chris Caine at chrischaine@yahoo.com
Pembroke College Chapel Choir will be singing an Advent carol service at All Saints Margaret Street this December, paying tribute to Harry. Details to follow closer to the time.