The memorial service that took place on 15 December at Saint James’s, Piccadilly was a moving tribute to Paddy, whilst at the same time being a tremendous celebration of his life, and the music, poetry and people that he loved. The order of service is here for you to see.
If there has to be a highlight it was John Julius Norwich and his daughter Artemis Cooper singing versions of D’Ye Ken John Peel and Widdecombe Fair translated into Italian by Paddy. After this Lord Norwich gave a lively and affectionate Address about his good friend of over fifty years.
Artemis has to be congratulated for organising such a successful memorial service which gave a nod to Paddy’s boyhood by including the excellent Crypt Choir of King’s School Canterbury.
There was a final message to us all from Paddy himself:
“Love to all and kindness to all friends, and thank you all for a life of great happiness” – Patrick Leigh Fermor
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- Memorial service cover
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- Memorial service P1 and P2
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- Memorial service Horace-Katsimbalis
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- Memorial service Gospel & Mioritza
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- Memorial service Gian’ Peel and Fierra Widecombe
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- Memorial service Hymn and Paddy’s farewell
Patrick Leigh Fermor 
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What happened to the memorial service’s sound recording? You can’t listen to such a special recording at any time so I kept it for a quiet evening – now I was prepared for it. And it seems to be deleted? How awful. Is there anything that can be done please?
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I live in Paris but had the good luck to be in London that day, so was able to attend the service. A memorable occasion! The reading from Mioritza was the most moving moment, I thought.
Yes — very fine!
You are right, David — James Boyd played the piece on his viola — enjoyed his contribution greatly — thanked him after the recessional.
Thanks for calling my slip — I have just reminded myself that the divergent hair-styles will help me to differentiate these two in the future.
Boyd
http://www.barbicanpianotrio.com/friends.html
http://jamesboydblog.blogspot.com/p/london-haydn-quartet.html
Berkeley
http://www.michaelberkeley.co.uk/
I don’t think that was Michael Berkeley actually playing; nonetheless, it was indeed wonderful. Also noted that Romanian contains just enough Latin that you can half convince yourself you almost understand it.
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very sorry not to have been able to attend Patrick Leigh Fermor’s memorial service, but
thank you so much for sending the program, which made me almost feel like being present at this celebration of his life.
Caroline – look out for a recording of the service in the next week or two. I have one on the way to me (mine being too poor to use) which after a little editing will be available to all.
Good to hear!
My appreciation goes out to Michael Berkeley — that was some great fiddle-playing.
James Boyd played the Berkeley piece on his viola, that is.