14 Jan 2026
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Lawrence Wallington, one of the longest standing singers in the Monteverdi Choir. Lawrence was a treasured member of the bass-section for almost 40 years, during which time he also mentored Monteverdi Apprentices and took on the role of ‘choir rep’. He is remembered for his welcoming and joyous personality, and for instilling a happy atmosphere throughout the choir.
Lawrence (second from bottom left)at Monteverdi Choir rehearsals in 2011
Having studied modern languages at Magdalen College, Oxford and voice at the Royal Academy of Music, Lawrence embarked on a freelance career and sung in countless MCO performances and recordings alongside his work as a bass Lay Vicar at Westminster Abbey. He can be heard as a soloist on many MCO recordings, including on CDs of Dietrich Buxtehude and Carissimi. He was appointed a Governor of The Royal Society of Musicians in 2020.
His wife, Eleanor, has also sung with the Monteverdi Choir for many years, and together they hosted musical soirees at their home, which are remembered fondly by many choir members and Apprentices.
Lawrence (fourth from left) with the MCO Apprentices at a workshop in 2015
Fellow Monteverdi Choir bass Sam Evans writes:
"I had the privilege of singing next to Lawrence Wallington on countless occasions, going all the way back to my first concerts with the Monteverdi Choir in 2001. Even back then, Lawrence had been a key figure in the choir for many years, both musically and socially. He had studied at the Royal Academy of Music in the early 1980s and reached the final of the Kathleen Ferrier Awards, and the fine quality of his baritone was a key element of the Monteverdi Choir bass section.
Lawrence was warm, generous of spirit, and loved the company of others. He was a wonderful person to go on tour with. He seemed to have been everywhere, and always knew of a great little spot to eat or drink that didn't appear in any of the guidebooks. He once scooped me up after a rehearsal in Madrid, and took me off to a place he knew where I had the most delicious tapas I've ever tasted. Lawrence also seemed to know everyone. Wherever we went, and whomever we sang with, Lawrence was always bumping into old friends. Lawrence was a fatherly presence in the choir: kind-hearted, always supportive of his younger colleagues, and forever delighting in the achievements of others. He will be very sorely missed."
We send our deepest condolences to Eleanor, Lawrence’s family and his many friends.
Lawrence (bottom right) singing with the choir in the 1990s
Bach's Advent Cantatas in Braunschweig 2006
St Matthew Passion in Leipzig 2016
The Santiago Pilgrimage of 2004
The Santiago Pilgrimage of 2004
