English Harpsichordist Colin Tilney has Died, Aged 91

Tilney held an extensive discography and was on the faculty of the Royal Conservatory of Music and the University of Toronto

Born in 1933 in London, Colin Graham Tilney studied harpsichord with Mary Potts at King’s College, Cambridge, and was also mentored by Gustav Leonhardt in Amsterdam.

Following graduation, he spent several years as an accompanist and opera coach for London’s Sadler’s Wells and the New Opera Company, and chose to focus on playing and teaching early keyboard instruments. 

In 1964, he appeared as the harpsichordist with Stravinsky on a Columbia recording of the composer’s opera The Rake’s Progress; Tilney also gave the first London performance of Hans Werner Henze’s Lucy Escott variations. 

His interest in contemporary music also saw him commission works by Elisabeth Lutyens and Priaulx Rainier. In 1974, he performed with the English tenor Nigel Rogers at the Vancouver East Cultural Centre. 

Tilney often performed with Tafelmusik, Toronto Consort, and the Canadian Opera Company, plus contributed to new music concerts and recorded works for the CBC. In 1985, he formed Les Coucous Bénévoles, a chamber ensemble performing both traditional and modern works. He also edited previously unpublished harpsichord music and released a performance guide to Bach’s English Suites.

In 1979, Tilney moved to Canada and taught at the Royal Conservatory of Music and the University of Toronto. He also gave recitals, masterclasses, and early music workshops at the University of British Columbia. 

Additionally, Tilney was a jury member in several international harpsichord competitions and taught at summer schools across Canada, Norway, Italy, Austria, Holland, England, and the U.S.

Our condolences to Mr. Tilney’s family, friends, students, and colleagues.