Tribute to “a giant of a man”

We are sad to report that Dick Passmore, the founder or Classics Galore!, died on Tuesday 19 February 2019.

He and wife Posy have been involved in the organisation of seven of the hugely popular concerts, including the 2019 event and Posy has led on this years concert at the University of Exeter Great Hall on Saturday 12 November.

Their efforts have helped raise in excess of £110,000 for FORCE Cancer Charity.

Peter Payne paid this tribute in 2019 on behalf of the Classics Galore! organising committee and FORCE.

“We all heard the very sad news that Dick had passed away in the early hours of Tuesday morning. It was news we expected but it was still a huge shock. Our love and thoughts go out to Posy and the family.

“Dick had lived with cancer since 2000 and dealt with his condition and the treatments with typical humour and strength.

“In the first years after diagnosis, he had such excellent support from the hospital and FORCE and wanted to give something back by raising funds for the charity.

“He and Posy decided to hold a classical music concert in the Great Hall at Exeter University. The first Classics Galore! took place in 2007. It was a huge effort and a great success, so much so that they decided to do another in 2009!

“Dick had been the driving force for these concerts ever since – a giant of a man.

“He was determined to reach his goal of raising a total of £100,000 at this autumn’s concert on November 9 but sadly he won’t now see this happen.

“So if Dick were here now he would tell us to double our efforts and make sure this year’s concert is a resounding success – it’s what Dick would have wanted and deserves.

“Dick will be sorely missed by this committee – not least for his humour and his love of cakes!

“Our duty must be to continue to work hard and make Classics! 2019 the best yet for Dick.”

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Classics Galore! – Exeter’s very own night at the proms – has been staged at the University of Exeter Great Hall every two years since 2007.

The concerts feature 200 performers with a full orchestra, the award-winning SW Comms Band from Lympstone and singers from Exeter’s St David’s Players and Ottery St Mary Choral Society performing a wide selection of popular classical tunes under musical director Malcolm Matthews.

We are returning on Saturday 12 November 2022 at 7:30pm.