Blackburn Cathedral Announce Death of Dr John Bertalot

John Bertalot served as Director of Music and Organist at Blackburn Cathedral (1964 -1982), during which time he built the Cathedral Choir to national and international distinction.

He was appointed Organist Emeritus from 1998 when he returned from the United States where he was Director of Music at Trinity Episcopal Church in Princeton, New Jersey.

A gifted musician, conductor, and teacher, he was widely respected throughout the world of church and choral music. He was also the author of several influential books on choral conducting and sight-singing, which have guided generations of choirmasters and organists.

His role in the procurement, design and installation of the new organ at Blackburn Cathedral in 1969 was pivotal and changed the landscape of Cathedral musical life.

Speaking following the news of the death of Dr Bertalot, Revd. Canon Andrew Horsfall, Interim Dean of Blackburn said:

His contribution to the life of Blackburn Cathedral, and to church music more broadly (not least through the RSCM), was immense and will not be forgotten.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him and were inspired by him.

May he rest in peace.

/// Update: 24th February 2026 ///

Funeral Arrangements

Details of the funeral arrangements for Dr John Bertalot, Organist Emeritus of Blackburn Cathedral are as follows:

The funeral will take place on Saturday 14th March 2026 at 10.30am and all are warmly invited to attend. The service will be followed by refreshments in the Cathedral Crypt.

The committal will follow at 1.30pm at Pleasington Crematorium, Tower Road, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB2 5LE to which all are also invited to attend.

This service will be streamed live on our website, can be watched below and will also be featured on the Cathedral’s YouTube channel.

The order of service will be published here so that those wishing to can follow the service.