TRIBUTES have been paid to distinguished classical conductor and former Farnham school boy Sir Jeffrey Philip Tate, who has died aged 74.

Sir Jeffrey was born with spina bifida, an abnormal curvature of the spine, but went on to guest conduct almost every major orchestra and opera house in the world.

In April he was knighted by Prince William at an investiture ceremony in London, in recognition of his ‘services to British music overseas’.

Sir Jeffrey moved to Farnham with his family in 1950, and attended Wrecclesham Primary School and Farnham Grammar School before moving on to Cambridge to read natural sciences.

He later qualified as a medical doctor at St Thomas’ Hospital in London but never became a practicing doctor, and instead pursued a career in music, going on to enjoy a distinguished musical career.

He has been principal conductor of the Hamburg Symphony orchestra since 2009, and was also president of the Farnham and Bourne Choral Society, Farnham Youth Choir, and of Shine Charity (formerly UK Spina Bifida charity).

In a letter to this week’s Herald (printed in full on page 15), former director of Farnham Youth Choir, David Victor-Smith said: “[Jeffrey Tate] was a man of incredible talent who never let his physical disadvantages limit his ambition to communicate musically, and as such he was an inspiration to us all.”

A spokesman for the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra added: “The unique and extraordinary voice of Jeffrey Tate has been silenced, but it will live on in the hearts, thoughts, and memories of countless admirers and friends throughout the world.

“His music made the world a better place, and we are endlessly grateful for the hours, days, and years we were able to share with him.”

And Shine, the charity he served as president for some 23 years, said in a statement: “Sir Jeffrey was president of Shine from 1989 to September 2012, an era that saw many important developments in treatment and support for members. Well-liked and deeply respected, Sir Jeffrey will be greatly missed.”

He died last Friday, June 2, of a heart attack while on holiday in Bergamo, Italy.