The British Musical Biography

[E] Rea, William, organist, conductor, and
composer, born in London, Marcb '25, 1827.
Articled pupil of Josiah Pittman, and later
studied pf. under Sterndale Bennett, and in
1849 for a short time was at Leipzig and
Prague, studying under Mosclieles, Hichter,
and Dreyscliock. Deputised as organist for
Pittman ; was appointed to Christ Church,
Watling Street, 1843 ; St. Andrew's Under-
shaft to 1858, when he went to St. Michael's,
Stockwell. Played at concerts of the Society
of British Musicians ; gave chamber concerts;
acted as accompanist for the Harmonic
Union ; established and conducted the Pol-
hymnia Choir of Men's Voices, 1856, and
was brought into contact with Mendelssohn
and other eminent composers. In 1860 he
was appointed organist to the Corporation
of Newcastle-on-Tyne. His church appoint-
ments were at St. Thomas's, St. Andrew's,
St. Mary's, North Shields, 1864-78 ; and St.
Hilda's, South Shields, to present time. He
has been a hard worker for musical culture
in the North ; besides giving his recitals, he
formed several societies, giving many im-
portant concerts, and introducing great works
to the locality. His orchestral concerts,
started in 1867, were carried on for nine
years. He still conducts the Newcastle
Amateur Vocal Society. His Corporation
appointment he resigned in 1888. He was
elected au Hon. Fellow of the College of
Organists, and in 1886 the honorary degree of
Mus. Doc. was conferred upon him by the
University of Durham. His compositions
include " Sing, O daughter of Zion," " 0,
give thanks," and other anthems ; a Jubilee
Ode, composed for the Newcastle Exhibition,
1887 ; various songs, and pieces for organ
and pf. Emma Mary Rka, his wife, was a
daughter of W. S. B. Woolhouse (q-v.), and an
accomplished pianist, L.R.A.M. and A.R.C.M.
She was closely identified with the musical
life of Newcastle for over thirty years. She
died suddenly, of apoplexy. May 6, 1893.

entry id: 336-L-3