We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of our great friend, the inimitable George Lee, which occurred on Sunday 22nd October 2023 and it was truly fitting to pay tribute to him at our annual Springtime Concert 2024.
George, the much loved musical maestro, was known throughout the county of Mayo and beyond by anyone with a love of music. His creativity, talent and ability to entertain touched the lives of so many. The Mayo Male Voice Choir was blessed to have him as accompanist from its formation in 2000 right up to 2011.
Throughout those years, George was not only our accompanist but also acted as our mentor and our advisor and was a constant source of ideas, guidance, inspiration and good humour. He may have stepped down from the role of accompanist in 2011 but he never stopped supporting and believing in both the choir and of course it’s Musical Director Deirdre, his daughter, of whom he was so unbelievably proud. For 23 years, George continually offered support, encouragement and guidance, attending every concert with enormous pride and enjoyment.
George moved from his native Kilkenny to Kiltimagh when he married his beloved wife Mary in 1970 and had four daughters. He spent his entire life involved in every form of musical entertainment imaginable. As a Secondary school Irish and Music Teacher, he inspired so many of his students with his love of both subjects. He was musical director of a myriad of groups and societies including Kiltimagh Musical Society (which he founded), Ballinrobe Musical Society, Castlebar Choral Society, Kiltimagh Parish Choir, Foxford Parish Choir and Charlestown Parish Choir amongst others. He was Church organist for 50 years and was honoured with two Papal medals for his services.
He became musical director of Castlebar Town Band in the mid-1990s and having decided to initially introduce a string section, he continued to grow and develop this group of musicians which would then form the Mayo Concert Orchestra. He successfully led the Mayo Concert Orchestra for 21 years until his retirement in 2016.
His achievements were recognised many times over the years, most notably in 2016 when he was honoured with the Mayo People of the Year Award and in 2018 when he was awarded the title ‘Mayo’s Musical Maestro’ by the Mayo International Choral Festival.
Those who knew George knew a gentle man who loved nothing more than to humbly share his talents whilst always encouraging others to let theirs shine – a man who leaves behind a legacy of music and talent and who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
George there is simply nothing left to say but ‘thank you for the music’. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
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