DEATH OF DR. HAIGH

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, Issue 208, 17 August 1927, Page 4

DEATH OF DR. HAIGH

NOTED ORGANiSI <fc MUSIC EXAMINER.

Dr. Thomas Haigh, whose death m Sydney was reported by cable yesterday, was well known in Napier and Hastings musical circles, he Having several times paid visits herb as examiner for the Associated Board of the Royal Academy of Music. Mr. Bercy Tombs, of Napier, who came into close contact with the late musician, states that Dr. Haigh, who was a man in the middle fifties, received his degree at the University of Durham, England, and was a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists. His first visit was paid to New Zealand in 1921 as examiner for the Royal College of Music, in which capacity he returned in 1924 and 1925. It was while on his last visit to Hawke’s Bay that Dr. Haigh received the offer of the appointment to the position of Cathedral organist at Sydney. Though not stated in the cable, it is probable that Dr. Haigh was also on the staff of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Dr Rundle Orchard, the director having expressed the hope that he would offer his services.

Dr. Haigh was considered one ot the finest organists m England, and, though sometimes engaged examining tor as lung as six ot eignt hours a day Was always willing to give recitals wherever ne visiteaAs a composer Dr. Haigh was mso well kiiown, though more to students than to the general public. His compositions include some beautiful pieces for the organ and for llio piano and also songs. One of his Sonatas is said to be a particularly fine work. Of a kindly and scholarly disposition, Dr. Haign’s sudden death will be regretted by everyone with whom he has come in contact;