Memories and Tributes

“When I first moved to York in 1975 I was honoured to receive a phone call from Andrew, introducing himself and asking me to play at the Carols by Candlelight concert given by his world-famous Chapter House Choir that December. It was – handbells and all – absolutely marvellous. Andrew’s genial, altruistic and larger-than-life persona made those Chapter House Choir concerts into something wonderful; and this is not to mention his brilliant training of the CHC itself. The choir had, back in those days, won several prizes in Let the Peoples Sing, the renowned BBC competition, although it was some years later that his Christmas Carols recording was named one of the ten best ever CDs in the BBC Music Magazine. Andrew’s encouragement and enthusiasm knew no bounds and during the ten years that followed I became, along with Geoffrey Coffin and Charles MacDonald, one of the CHC’s group of regular organists.
All these years later, having known him for so long, trying to sum up Andrew’s character is not easy. One may mention the infectious good-humour and bonhomie but this is to ignore his great gifts as a musician and as a neo-Romantic composer. Taken together with his ebullience, the result is an image of honesty, fortitude and altruism that will remain lodged in the hearts and minds of all of us who knew him.”

“As a fellow pupil at Andrew’s grammar school I treasure the memory of Andrew, already a somewhat rotund figure in his tunic and tights, giving splendid voice to Leporello in a school production of Don Giovanni. Our paths crossed again in the late sixties, when I was a schoolteacher in York. Andrew would join a group of my colleagues in a country pub on a Friday night, after which we would go to his diminutive house in Petergate, where he would make vain attempts to teach us change ringing on his set of handbells. A few years later I was at his wedding to Sylvia, which took place on New Year’s Eve in the Friends’ Meeting House in Newcastle. The building was of course ‘dry’, so that we were probably the only completely sober people in the city that day. It has given me great pleasure to remain in contact with him over the years, and to see him during frequent and happy return visits to York.”

“York Opera presented Mozart’s Don Giovanni in 1986 at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre in York itself. The part of the Commendatore required a strong bass voice and strong stage presence. Who should put himself forward but Andrew, until then a complete stranger to me. In the title role, I was so pleased and impressed with that glorious voice of his, especially as the “Stone Guest”, summoning me to dinner and thence to eternal Hell. After that, we became firm friends. We both had further parts in York Opera’s one and only World Premiere of Hans Gal’s Die Beiden Klaus, translated for us by Gal’s daughter, Eva and her husband, Tony Fox. Andrew played Mouldypenny and I was Poor Klaus. Another mutual friend, Terry Knowles has given us a charming anecdote about this production on this very page of tributes. I have more to add. As a former member of the choir at St Olave’s Church in York, I was delighted to find it had longstanding connections with Andrew and his music, some of which was written for that group and for its organists. In particular I hold dear the link Andrew formed with our now assistant Director of Music, Max Elliot, who helped complete Andrew’s catalogue of compositions and cemented a firm friendship. In this way and by similar links with Max’s generation of musicians in their turn, we can thank God that we are seeing the gift of music of the highest quality passing from generation to generation.”

“In May, 2014, Andrew travelled to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to direct the Cathedral commission he’d composed for St. John’s Cathedral, where I was Dean at the time. Meeting Andrew was a thrill, for the simple reason that our children had grown up as choristers in the parish choir where I was Rector, before coming to Albuquerque. One of the anthems they recalled most fondly was Andrew’s “O ye baders and hedgehogs.” Imagine the fun we had, meeting Andrew, spending time with him, learning about his musical creativity, having the creator of that whimsical anthem with us! Our family had the joy of hosting Andrew at our home during his stay. Evenings were spent telling our stories and listening to his, laughing together until tears were streaming down our faces, and playing games after meals. His warmth and exuberance were completely infectious. One evening we decided to attend a baseball game, his first baseball game, as he informed us. Our local minor league team won that evening, but Andrew wasn’t concerned with the result, of course. He had a ball, soaking in the experience and sampling some of the local food on offer in the concession area. One of my fondest memories of his time with us was one of the most difficult moments of his visits. He had gone to bed, and I stayed up to read. Late in the evening I heard him up, and he came into the room where I was. He was clearly upset and worried about something. It turns out that he wasn’t feeling at all well and was afraid he might be having a heart attack. What should we do? I offered to take him to the hospital, but he declined. Instead, we stayed up together, talking about life, and love, his family and mine, and our faith. I comforted and reassured him, and he encouraged me by the bond of friendship that we shared. Eventually, he felt comfortable enough to go back to bed, and the next day he was as right as rain. His smile, that wonderful laugh, his depth of thought and feeling are gifts that he gave me, and our family, during that time. I treasure the memories.”

“A while ago, I was working with a choir to sing some of Andrew’s folk song arrangements and he graciously offered to come along to the rehearsal to listen to our work. I had been struggling to properly understand one passage in one of the songs, which seemed to me a bit cryptic and it was hard to know how to direct the choir. So when Andrew was there, and we had sung through that song, I asked him: would you mind explaining what you had in mind with that passage there, because I’m finding it a bit hard to get my head around? His response was to think for a moment and then say with a grin, “no, I don’t really get it either. It’s not very good, that part, is it?”. He had a delightful habit of deflating pomposity, especially with regard to his own work.”

“The first time I met Andrew was during a tour of International Choir Conductors back in the 90s. We met several choirs and composers throughout England and sang with Andrew arrangements of Old English Songs at Boosey and Hawks. That was when I fell in love…
He asked me where I was from and when I said Israel, we became instant friends !
In 2010 my choir, The Ankor Choir of the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance along with the Academy’s Chamber Choir, invited Andrew and Sylvia for a concert tour of his music, performing in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and The Anglican Church in Ramla. He gave us a master class and won everybody over with his humor and charm and we toured the country together visiting places of interest.
Over the years my choir performed Andrew’s music – his Missa Brevis, Beautiful Soup and the Elephant is a Bonnie Bird and There is No Rose, all for equal voices, and I always made it a point to tell the girls about Andrew, my meetings with him and what a special person he was. I also made it a point to write to Andrew about these performances in an annual birthday wish which I combined with Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. He was always supportive, encouraging and wonderfully appreciative and I was touched and proud that he approved of the choir’s performances.
The last time I met Andrew was in London in July 2023. We spent the day together and had a wonderful time talking about Sylvia and him and wonderful music.
I know we tend to take things for granted (well sometimes). I sort of felt Andrew would always be there. Before he came to Israel he said he was getting old and I should hurry up with the visit, so I did. But then I was in London this November again and didn’t have a chance to call him so I wrote him my birthday wish and was shocked with the answer… I had no idea.
He will be greatly missed but, for my part, his music will live on with the choir and he will be remembered with fondness and love !”

“We got to know the Carters when we moved to Bishopthorpe in 1981 , and when my parents Nesta and Giles chose to follow us, they chanced to buy the house in Lang Road next to the Carters. They were lucky to have such welcoming neighbours, and when the Carters had time away in New Zealand, my dad rather enjoyed checking their post, forwarding scores and contracts in those pre-electronic days. When we moved back south to Wallingford I joined Benson Choral Society where we were looking to mark the choir’s jubilee in 1999 with a commission. Our long-standing MD Chris Walker knew of Andrew and the connection was made, leading to the premiere of ‘Laudate Dominum’ in Oxford Town Hall. Andrew came to the rehearsal and noted we were struggling with the 5/4 movement, so he pirouetted his portly frame down the aisle to demonstrate the rhythm. It worked and the concert was a great success! It led to something of a ‘Carterfest’ with Wallingford Children’s Choir joining for ‘Te Deum’ and ‘Benedicite’ and Wallingford Parish Choir picking up on his carols and anthems. He came for a workshop when he demonstrated his verve, warmth and wit. Andrew has been one of the finest choral writers of his time, not only for his melodic invention but for his ingenious part writing where the lines have a life of their own, never just filling in the chords. He will certainly be sorely missed, but what a legacy of music he leaves for many years to come.”

“I first met Andrew in my early 20s while I was working in the Music Department at Oxford University Press here in New York City (in the 1990s). He came to visit our office one day; it was a brief encounter but Andrew’s wonderful personality made an immediate impression. A couple years later I was accepted to The University of York for a full-year Master’s course in Music Technology. I wrote to Andrew to say I would be coming to York, and he and Sylvia couldn’t have been more welcoming. We enjoyed that I was from “New” York visiting “Old” York. A highlight of the year was spending Christmas Day 1995 with Andrew, Sylvia, Martin, and Elinor at their home in Bishopthorpe. I fondly remember the laughter, the music, and the warmth of the Carter Family. When I returned to York in 1997 for my graduation ceremony, Andrew and Sylvia joined me for the festivities. It was a joy to share the happy occasion with them. I saw Andrew during his subsequent visits to NYC over the years. Fast forward to July 2025 when my partner Wendy and I visited York — my first time since ‘97 and her first time ever. After treating us to a delicious lunch in Bishopthorpe, Andrew graciously invited us to his home for tea and lovely conversation. Andrew also took us upstairs to the music room, where he showed us some of his compositions and Wendy sang a Dowland song to his piano accompaniment. Along with attending two concerts together, we joined him for a meaningful visit to his beloved Sylvia at the Quaker Burial Ground. It was a gift to spend time with Andrew again. We will always remember his warmth, generosity, humor, that unforgettable voice, and the twinkle in his eye when he laughed.”

“I was privileged to know Andrew for over 35 years, both through Banks Music Publications and The Chanticleer Singers. He was a truly gifted composer and a kind and supportive friend. When I think of him, I can hear that wonderful sonorous voice “Ah, Rosemary!” and see the twinkle in his eye as he challenged me over an editorial suggestion – always tempered with humour and warmth. I will miss you Andrew!”

“Andrew was active in BMS York for as long as I can remember; when I joined the committee in the 1990s he was already the Society’s Vice-President and a regular at committee meetings. He was consistently thoughtful, considerate, kind, and calm. Throughout my years as committee member and as BMS Chair, I have hugely valued his sensible advice and friendly encouragement.
It was my privilege to ask Andrew to succeed Francis Jackson as the Society’s President. Andrew viewed Francis as something of a mentor—a hero and role model—and was moved by the invitation. After initial diffidence, Andrew was very proud to accept. His personal circumstances, including caring for his beloved wife Sylvia, prevented him attending BMS concerts as often as he would have liked. Nevertheless, he diligently came as often as he could, and he continued his active support of the Society both practically and with wise counsel.
I am sure all BMS members have our own special memories of Andrew. He was always compassionate, welcoming, delighted to speak to anyone, and full of admiration for the musicians.
On a personal note, I counted Andrew as a very good friend, and my times spent with him will always be treasured memories.”

“On behalf of myself and the Chanticleer Singers I want to express our sadness on Andrew’s passing.We have been so privileged to have had his support, friendship, joy and enthusiasm as our President over many years.We have had the honour of having him compose for us such beautiful music and his presence at our concerts has always lifted and encouraged the choir.Such a great musical talent who will be a great loss to so many, but will live on in his wealth of inspiring and wonderful music.”

“I mourn the loss of a dear friend whose musical talents and successful career I so much admired. Andrew, I miss our occasional lunch meetings where your deep honeyed speaking voice would grace the occasion, and I treasure the rare occasions when you and I could discuss the finer points of some musical technique.

You were a bright star in the English choral music world. You may have gone, but we still have all your wonderful music. Thank you for that. You knew that singing always brings happiness, and yours will long continue to do so.”

“Ed and I feel privileged to have sung with Andrew when he was director of the Chapter House Choir. He set very high standards and could be demanding but always inspired and encouraged the choir to give their very best. On a personal level he was sympathetic and compassionate.He was very supportive of me when I became the director of the choir and also took an active interest in the work of The Chanticleer Singers. I learned so much from him both as a singer and choral director for which I will be eternally grateful.In addition to his expertise we have greatly benefitted from his friendship, kindness, generosity and of course his wicked sense of humour! Andrew was an outstanding composer and choral director whose music is sensitive, colourful and passionate with very distinctive musical twists. What a fine legacy. He has made a huge impact on so many people giving us treasured memories. Andrew will be greatly missed as a musician, a friend and a human being. For all this I send heartfelt thanks.”

“It was with much sadness that I heard the news about the passing of my musical hero, Andrew Carter. I sang under Andrew’s brilliant direction in the Chapter House Choir, and I have such special memories of that time. Andrew was a true inspiration, and I owe him a great debt of gratitude for everything he taught me about music and singing.Andrew’s rehearsals were always lively, entertaining, sometimes unpredictable(!) but always full of marvellous insights about the music. I remember how he was brimful of musicality and it was a delight to share the passion he had for choral music. I still treasure some handwritten scores I have of the wonderful arrangements and compositions he created for the choir, which he brought to us with the ink still fresh on the page! Those concerts of Carols by Candlelight in the Chapter House were magical – and I also had huge fun playing alongside him with the Handbell Ringers – there was a lot of laughter! What a joy and a privilege to have worked with Andrew, and how lucky I was to know him.He was also the beloved patron of the choir I now sing with, the Chanticleer Singers. Andrew supported our musical endeavours with kindness and generosity – we treasure the works he created especially for us. He always found time to talk to us after every concert and was generous in his praise. At Christmas we sang his beautiful carol, ‘I wonder as I wander’ – such a perfect setting, like so many of his works, and such a joy to sing! His music lives on in our hearts…Andrew was a lovely, lovely man – much missed but never forgotten.Sending my condolences and best regards to his family.”

“I first met Andrew through ABCD when he composed The Mystic Trumpeter for our Convention In Chester 2000. He and Sylvia came to meet my young pupils from Queen Elizabeth’s Blackburn who were to take part in the performance alongside other choirs.He was utterly charming, full of fun and encouragement. So began a friendship that lasted until our final messages this Christmas.I have enjoyed singing his music especially the lovely carols for many years.Len and I loved his music and he kindly wrote a beautiful anthem for us, God is Love, to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary .Our last meeting was at Len’s funeral where Andrew read most beautifully from 1 Corinthians 13 keeping to the love message.Andrew’s Christian faith shone through his life. God is love and Andrew believed it and loved too.”

“We first met Andrew and Sylvia in 2003 when Andrew very kindly gave Helen a loan of his own, marked up full score of, ‘Horizons’, a work for Soprano soloist, SATB Choir and orchestra, which was performed in March 2004 in the Usher Hall. This is one of so many of Andrew’s superb pieces which deserve to be recorded professionally and heard by a wider public. Andrew’s music was often sung and enjoyed by Dunfermline Abbey Choir when Norman was Master of the Music there. As in other tributes, Andrew’s modesty and humility marked the man. His generosity and good humour will live long in our memories. That rich, basso profundo voice resonates as we write. We are missing a wonderful friend who always made us feel so special.”

“Dearest Andrew.

Where to begin? The trips out in your Morris Minor to visit the treacle mines in Peatling Parva? Your beaming smile as you turned from playing Purcell to greet me as I walked down the aisle on my wedding day? Our innumerable jaunts to visit cathedrals, art galleries, concerts, lunches? The ‘cello piece composed just for me? Our impromptu piano duets?

I have been blessed beyond words to have been gifted such a wonderful uncle. You brought so much joy to my life. Always encouraging, full of fun and supportive in difficult times.

I will miss you forever.

Love you lots.

Caroline. X”

“I joined the Chapter House Choir as a tenor in 1979, when I was studying for a music degree, and left in 1982, when Andrew decided to retire from running the choir . I felt was a good moment to move on since I felt it would never be the same without Andrew!

I learnt so much from Andrew: about diction, producing good tone, ensemble, all kinds of technical niceties, but above and beyond that an immense appreciation for the spirit of music-making, the wonder of music. And learning so much about the art of composing and arranging. I was in the choir at a golden period when we were winning the BBC competitions, making two CDs, singing in Münster, in Rome to the Pope and recording in the Vatican, singing all kinds of music – and the Teddy Bears Picnic on ‘Pick of the Year.’ And I played handbells each Christmas which was a brilliant bonus. Andrew was so inspiring, frequently hilarious, sometimes explosively volatile but always in the service of the highest standards of music-making. The choir was so good that we could just about get by when occasionally in mid-concert Andrew would stop conducting, glower at us, put his finger up his nose and pull a face. It was all we could do to carry on singing unconducted and refrain from dissolving into hysterical laughter, but somehow our professionalism, brought into being by Andrew’s standards, carried us through.

I often think of him. Since those days I have worked in all kinds of music-making activities: MD of a touring theatre company, jazz pianist, instrument-maker, composer, arranger, singer … -and I run two singing groups in Wiltshire, one of which celebrated its 30th anniversary in October. I try and pass on the advice Andrew vouchsafed to us singers, and employ those musical high standards he had in everything I do. I’ve used several of Andrew’s arrangements over the years with my choirs, and I am still waiting for the big community choir I run to reach a standard high enough to take on Andrew’s marvellous arrangement of ‘Stille nacht’ (which sounds to me like the whole world sleeping peacefully – gently snoring, even! – while a miracle is taking place). I still have a photocopy of Andrew’s original MS, which I treasure.

My condolences to his family: I will miss him greatly.”

“My memories of Andrew go back to 1970 when he helped look after Wakefield Cathedral Choir in the interregnum before I took over as Director of Music. He bequeathed me as Head Chorister, John Scott, who by then was singing baritone!

Years later I invited Andrew back to Wakefield to conduct a Three Choirs Festival Evensong featuring his own works. I was playing the organ and was intrigued that he didn’t nitpick up to the last moment of the rehearsal (like most of us do!), but finished 15 minutes early, saying, “That’s wonderful”. The choristers loved him for it and sang divinely in the service.

It was a great thrill to commission Andrew to write the Wakefield Service, a powerful setting of the evening canticles. We sang it when the Cathedral Organists Association visited Wakefield and also for my last BBC Choral Evensong in 2010. Andrew wrote me a letter in ink in his exquisite handwriting thanking and congratulating me. He also spared the time for me to show him some of my own compositions at the family home in Bishopthorpe.

Perhaps Andrew’s last visit to Wakefield Cathedral was to the Memorial Concert for John Scott in 2016 when I played from his beautiful manuscript copy, Lacrimae “in grateful memory of our dear friend John Scott”.

Now I am at Kendal Parish Church I have enjoyed programming several of his organ pieces which he was always pleased to hear about. I last saw Andrew in St. Giles’ Church, Pontefract at the funeral of our mutual friend, Michael Phipps. It was typical of his generosity and warm heartedness that his first thought at the end of the service was to go to the vestry to congratulate the choir.

Dear Andrew, unfortunately I will not be able to get over to York for your Memorial Service on January 30th. I have an organ recital at 12.30 and 2 important 90 minute choir rehearsals, with the Kendal Choristers at 3.45 and KPC Choir at 7.15.

However I will light a candle and in your honour play Lacrimae, and tell my recital audience what a good friend and outstanding musician we have lost. May you rest in peace.”

“I have wonderful memories of the privilege of singing in the Chapter House Choir. Andrew had a great sense of humour and was a first class communicator. His compositions were so varied, so original and such a delight to sing. He was always so sure of the sound he wished to evoke from the Choir, and that confidence passed so naturally on to the singers, enabling them to give of their very best. The four years I spent in the Choir were among the very best years of my musical life.

May Andrew rest in peace.”

“When I first met Andrew, I was a novice self-taught composer, and he gave me a lot of support and encouragement over the years. Even when I let slip the odd parallel fifth, he would just chuckle. His words of wisdom proved invaluable and I will always be so grateful to both Andrew and Sylvia for their unwavering warmth, gentle humour and generosity.”

“Andrew played a huge role in my musical life since inviting me to join Chapter House Choir in 1972. From there a lifelong love of choral singing developed and I have always been enormously grateful that I was privileged not only to sing with so many talented musicians in the wonderful Chapter House and the Minster for 21 years but also to learn choral music with Andrew and benefit from his amazing talent, musicianship and creativity. To a large degree it is because of him that choral music has been such an important part of my musical knowledge and my life.

The 1970s especially were heady days for Andrew and the choir, and when I think of that time, I picture straightaway the wonderful Carols by Candlelight concerts – the early morning ticket queues, the packed Chapter House, the ritual of lighting the candles and the wonderful atmosphere – and his beautiful carols continue to delight, including the Polish Carol which I was touched that he dedicated to me. Another striking memory is the purple-inked Banda sheets of his latest piece which Andrew would bring to rehearsal and give to the choir, often at the last minute – and sometimes just before a concert.

In recent times Chanticleer Singers has been so glad that Andrew, as President of the choir, has continued to be associated with us and to support our concerts, even latterly despite his failing health.

His music remains as an enduring legacy for us all. We shall miss him.”

“I remember his wonderful sense of humour. In 1990 he played the role of Mouldypenny in York Opera’s world premiere of Hans Gals Rich Claus Poor Claus.

At a stage rehearsal Clive Marshall the producer set the scene. Mouldypenny was found at an old well , worse for wear on the morning after a Midsummer party ‘naked to the waist’. After a suitable pause Andrew sought clarification. “Top or bottom “ he asked.”

“Id like to share one of many treasured memories of Andrew’s ability to surprise . We were giving an ‘in lighter vein’ concert at the Tempest Anderson Hall, York. The stage was raised up, but there was a gap and drop along the back of it. During the various items not involving the whole choir, we all sat on chairs, up on the stage, Andrew included. I think he must have been tipping back on his chair, enjoying the music, because, suddenly, and with a great clatter, he and his chair fell off backwards ,into the gap. There was a stunned silence from choir and audience alike:was he seriously hurt? In what state would he rise up?! Then we heard the chuckles begin; Andrew laughing at himself! It was a lifelong gift of loving choral singing that he gave to so many of us. Make sure the angels are singing in tune now, Andrew!”

“My special friend, fate smiled upon me the day your wonderful family employed me to care firstly for your beloved Sylvia then subsequently for yourself, how fortunate am I to have spent every day with you, you introduced me to your magical world of music poetry and prose, a world filled with stunning architecture, cathedrals and churches. Adventures galore.I introduced you to … Barry Manilow!( albeit against your will)I will miss you terribly Andrew, your lovely smile radiating out, your effervescent energy lifting the whole room and your incredible kindness, you don’t meet many, if any Andrew Carters in your lifetime. how lucky am I.How lucky indeed.“Tah rah”“Love you lots””

“While to the world Andrew Carter was an important and gifted composer, to York Quakers he (and the late Sylvia) were warm, generous, stalwart members of our worshipping community. For many years, and for many people, Andrew or Sylvia were so often the first people that visitors or seekers met and welcomed by, or got to know. He and they built lasting friendships, and took on responsibilities of all sorts, from serving of tea to winding of clocks. Andrew and all his family often lit up our social occasions with music, and Andrew was always obliging to go and play the piano for a set of carols, say, as if he was a mere dab hand on the keyboard, not a nationally renowned composer of carols in his own right. Andrew’s vocal ministry was infrequent, sincere and moving, sometimes with just a dash of mischief, but also clearly coming from a deep place, and delivered in that wonderful deep bell of a voice. Over coffee Andrew could be serious, though often less so, but always kind, always humble, always interested. He will be much missed, and a long time gone.”

“On behalf of the Micklegate Singers may I say how very sorry we were to hear of Andrew’s death. He was a lovely man who was a great supporter of the choir. We sang a large range of his pieces during my recently-concluded tenure as conductor and he was always very positive in his comments when he heard us perform, coming round to offer the choir his thanks.

On a personal note Andrew was very encouraging to me as a young conductor when I was DoM at Queen Mary’s, Topcliffe, where we sang many of his pieces. He came to us to give a wonderful workshop and had the girls eating out of his hand, such was his larger-than-life approach. He also pointed me in the right direction regarding a composition I was working on, being both very generous with his time and astute with his suggestions.

Andrew will be a great loss to music. Please accept my condolences.”

“I first encountered Andrew at a CHC concert in Christ Church, Harrogate in the mid ’70s, with Charles Macdonald at the wheezy old organ. Much later he visited us in Kent for a workshop on Musick’s Jubilee. The choral society chairman took Andrew and me to a local restaurant for lunch beforehand. Alas, there was musak playing. “Ugh” exclaimed Andrew. “I’m not having that!”, so he stretched up and switched off the loudspeaker above our heads. No one blinked! Another wonderful memory is of being with Andrew in Bournemouth (which he’d visited as a youngster with his father on a bowls holiday), becoming bored during an afternoon service in St Stephen’s and persuading me to take him to Percy Whitlock’s former home. We approached the front door and Andrew said “Let’s knock and see if anyone’s in”. The owner was most gracious, gave us a guided tour and showed us a collection of letters from Stanford, Parry et al which she’d been given. Always encouraging, always affectionate and a wonderful composer. A supreme carollist. How you will be missed.”

“Andrew had a profound influence on our lives. We feel fortunate to have been his friends over many years and that we were able to speak with him in December 2025 shortly before his death.An inspired composer of beautiful music and a charismatic conductor, he always demanded the highest standard of performance, delivered with infectious enthusiasm, a touch of eccentricity, lots of love and a keen sense of humour. Some members from the late 1970s may remember when Andrew sat on Graham’s shoulders to gain an elevated position so that he could direct an impromptu open-air performance in a square somewhere in Holland!!Andrew, we will miss you but our memories and your legacy will go on forever.”

“I first met Andrew and Sylvia on a Monday night in October 1973. I had arrived in the UK only days before from the USA as a student to attend the University of York. I had seen a notice in the gift shop at York Minster advertising auditions for the Chapter House Choir. The shop attendant rang Andrew, who told me to report before the first rehearsal of the new season for an audition. Andrew and Sylvia welcomed me with open arms and we became friends for life. And ever since I returned to the USA, they have always welcomed me and my wife in their home in Bishopthorpe, and we were always grateful to sign their guestbook upon each visit. I signed it for the last time in April 2025, our last visit to York before Andrew’s death. Andrew has changed scores of lives, including my own. Moreover, he will never be forgotten, not just in York, but around the world. I was so fortunate to have encountered him.”

“I first met Andrew in the early sixties when as a student visiting Minster Choral Evensongs I was always in awe and inspired by the depth and quality of his fine rich bass voice. Along with friend John Roden and Andrew on a canal boating holiday I was privileged in enjoying the humanity and humorous side of Andrew’s unique personality. A singer in the Chapter House Choir during his directorship, Andrew showed us all how to produce the best quality musicianship and performance. All this embraced by Andrew’s musical sensitivity and high regard for sincerity and detail in choral presentation.”

“May you eternally rest in peace Andrew. You left a huge impact on me during our time at the Quaker Meeting House. Your legacy will live on here and in all walks of life you touched.”

“The Raimes family will miss Andrew dreadfully. Best friends for 55 years – after Sylvia and Jenny were pregnant with Elinor and myself.

There is so much to say about Andrew; his presence lit up any room he was in! He had a wonderful sense of humour, accompanied by a booming laugh! Sitting in the Minster, listening to his powerful organ music is always such a moving experience; all the stops out, sound reverberating up in to all the towers! A bit like Andrew himself – a huge presence, a huge character.

I feel very lucky to have known him and to have been ‘part of the Carter family’ – as he made us feel. His love for animals always touched me. His dog Katy was treated like a queen – and I loved the way Andrew used to call her ‘my friend’. Memories over 55 years – too many: fun Christmases, Holland Memory, teaching the Raimes to ring carols on handbells, happy Sunday lunches and wonderful stories. Thank you, Andrew for 55 years of friendship, fun and love. We will miss you more than you would believe.”

“I loved singing in the Chapter House Choir. Andrew was such an accomplished musician and conductor, with a light touch and plenty of humour.  I always remember the time when he was composing a version of the 12 Days of Christmas for us to sing at the Carols by Candlelight concert. He gave us one or two new ‘Days’ at each rehearsal, but we only got the 12th Day at the last rehearsal!

I have so many happy memories of times spent with Andrew and Sylvia, of Andrew’s uproarious sense of humour and deep bass voice. He would sometimes answer the phone saying ‘Bishopthorpe Sewage Works’ and once the person on the other end was the Archbishop! 

Andrew has left a lasting legacy of which the family should be justly proud: he was not only an outstanding musician but also a very kind and loving person, remembered with much affection and gratitude for all the joy and delight he has given to so many over the years.  “

“When I was with Andrew in his last weeks we talked about a fantastic and quite hilarious week’s canal holiday, and how we managed to drain the canal!  Andrew has done and achieved so much (especially musically) in his life and was so positive about it and thankful for the time he had been given. He has been such a very special friend for over 60 years and I find it difficult to imagine not being able to see him and talk and reminisce.”

“I never left Bishopthorpe after a visit without a feeling of thankfulness and a sense of blessing that I had the privilege of counting Andrew and Sylvia as close friends. Their genuine warmth and cheerfulness untainted by any sense of “celebrity” marked them out as the sort of people they really were.  Our singers, at the first performances of his works, loved him as much as his music.  In the case of Hymn to St Wilfrid Andrew wrote the fine text as well, and in his research he came across a phrase of the Venerable Bede in relation to Wilfrid – “The music of the spirit sounded through him” – which recurred throughout the piece in a most telling way, right to the ecstatic climax. I can think of no better epitaph than that phrase for Andrew himself.”

“Andrew was a talented, compassionate and gentle man who I will always remember fondly.  He auditioned me for the Chapter House Choir when I was 19, and from there grew a friendship and passion for choral singing in the wonderful Minster setting.  My association with the choir, and the friendship of you all has formed the backbone of my adult life, for which I will be forever grateful. 

His legacy will live on; missed by many and admired by everyone.  May he rest in peace.”