Biography

Ron Dellow was a quiet dynamo, a modest man who contributed much to the music of Auckland. Choirmaster, composer, organist, harpsichordist, teacher and, above all, a tireless administrator, his many talents were recognised in 1980 with an MBE for services to music. Composer John Rimmer quotes a 12th century Chinese poem, when asked about Ron: “If you want to be a leader, walk behind the people rather than in front of them.”

But Ron Dellow was more than just a leader, he was a helper. As Rimmer puts it, “a humble person who got things done and who stimulated others to help him to do things he wanted to do”. Dellow was co-founder of the New Zealand Recorder Society in 1954; on the choral scene, the city’s Bach Musica group has its origins in the Bach Cantata Society which he headed in the late 70s. One of New Zealand’s first professionally trained church musicians, his skill as choirmaster and organist enriched many churches.

Dellow was one of the driving forces behind the Cambridge Music School for 21 years. For Rimmer this was his “crowning achievement”. Growing up in Whakatane in the 50s and 60s, I knew Ron Dellow as a regular visitor. His concerts with his Community Arts Singers helped determine me on a musical career and he’d also been a more than sympathetic judge when I’d taken part in local competitions and festivals.

Ron Dellow died on 12 April 2004 and is survived by his wife Jean, a son and three daughters.

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