TEACHER OF SINGING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27094, 31 May 1949, Page 6

TEACHER OF SINGING

MR JOHN T. LEECH'S DEATH

Mr John T. Leech, who died suddenly yesterday morning at the age of 65. had been for many years one of Dunedin’s leading teachers of singing. He was a resident of Dunedin for about 40 years, and until recently he made many appearances on the concert platform, earning great popularity with Dunedin audiences. Mr Leech was born in Manchester, where he received his education. He was an engineer by profession, and on his arrival in Dunedin he established the firm of Leech, Turner, Ltd., but in 1923 he decided to devote his whole time to the teaching of singing.

The well-known Leech Lyric Choir, with Mr Leech- as conductor, was forrred in 1922, and played an important part in the musical life of the community until it was disbanded at the end of last year, when Mr Leech formed a new body, the Lyric Singers. He was responsible for selecting and training the chorus for last year s presentation of “ Carmen ” in Dunedin. His voice was also well known overthe radio. For the past 10 years he had been an adjudicator at all the major competitions festivals. Mr Leech played Rugby in Manchester, and was also a keen tennis and golf enthusiast. In later years he was a member of the Kaituna Bowling Club. He is survived by his widow and a son. Mr M. T. Leech.