Jeremy Gott Obituary

Jeremy Gott, a dear friend of mine, passed away at the age of 87. In his younger years, he established himself as a talented pianist, performing concerts across Europe. However, he eventually decided to dedicate his career to music education in Leeds. He was among a group of artists employed to visit schools and engage children in music discussions and performances on behalf of the West Riding of Yorkshire education committee.

Jeremy was a timid and gentle individual, yet his passion for music would transform him into a captivating storyteller in front of large audiences of children, enchanting them with tales behind the musical pieces he played and revealing the intricacies of playing the piano.

As the son of Maud and Arthur Gott, a well-known doctor and amateur pianist, Jeremy grew up in a household where music was an integral part of their lives. With two Steinways and a Bechstein in their music room, his parents started a concert club in their hometown of Ilkley, where Jeremy met many famous musicians like Leon Goosens and Paul Tortelier.

In his childhood, Jeremy learned to play both the piano and the violin. Later, he studied under Louis Kentner and Cyril Smith at the Royal Academy of Music, then at the Paris Conservatoire for two years. He was one of two pianists from Britain selected to compete in the International Chopin piano competition in Warsaw in 1960, which Maurizio Pollini won.

Jeremy married Sue Wormald, his father’s receptionist, in 1964. He stopped his work as a travelling recitalist before that and took up a stable job in education that lasted until the education authority eliminated all of its musicians in 1989. Jeremy retired at that time.

He and Sue lived in York briefly before settling in Ilkley. After retiring to Gatehouse of Fleet, Kirkcudbrightshire, Jeremy became interested in the organ situated at Anwoth’s Victorian church. He taught himself how to play it, and when the church closed down in 2002, Jeremy played at Gatehouse parish church. He shared his services there with Geoff, my husband, until his worsening health in August 2019 forced Jeremy to retire.

Jeremy not only contributed to the community with his music, serving as a local accompanist and organist for choirs, but he was also an active member of various societies in the area. From participating in the local Probus club to volunteering at the charity shop, Jeremy was always available to lend a helping hand.

He leaves behind his wife Sue, his daughters Mandy and Becca, and four grandchildren: Kate, Callum, Philip, and Hannah.