A TREASURED figure in Warwickshire’s music scene has died following a tragic cycling accident on his 32nd birthday.
Sebastian Farrall, who lived in Coventry with his wife Fran and their 21-month-old daughter Maisy, was a dynamic and much-loved conductor, composer, arranger, and musical director.
A fierce advocate for community music and inclusion, his loss is being felt deeply by his family, friends and the countless musicians and singers whose lives he touched.
Originally from Bristol, Seb came to study at Coventry University, graduating in 2014 with a first-class honours degree in music composition, and received the Robert Ramskill Composition Award for his significant contribution to the department.
Seb co-founded the MenCho Men’s Chorus as part of his final university project, a move described by some as “foolhardy” at the time, but one that ultimately launched a career defined by vision, risk-taking and success.
He co-founded Sing It Loud, an award-winning choir based in Leamington that has performed over 20 concerts in the past 11 years, including a 10th anniversary performance at Warwick Arts Centre featuring over 300 musicians and singers.
Rosie Sayers, chair and co-founder of Sing It Loud, said: “Seb was a musical force, brilliant, bold, and endlessly generous with his talents. He brought extraordinary energy and passion to every rehearsal and performance. But more than that, he believed in people. He believed in our abilities, even when we didn’t. He saw potential everywhere and had the courage to bring his vision to life.
“His warmth, humour and inclusivity created spaces where everyone felt they belonged. He didn’t just make music, he made magic. We’ve lost a truly irreplaceable friend and leader.”
In 2021, he was appointed as one of the Artists in Residence through the Methodist Central Hall’s initiative to celebrate the City of Culture. His vision was to form a brand new full symphony orchestra that welcomed, not just polished musicians, but also those who hadn’t played for years, and those who played instruments not usually found in an orchestra.
His work also extended across many other choirs including Stoneleigh Ladies, Burton Green Village, Bad Vibrations, the Coventry Salvation Army Songsters, the school choir at Westwood Academy and the staff choir at Warwick University.
Seb was also a passionate performer, particularly as a percussionist. His playing took him to prestigious venues including the Royal Albert Hall and the O2 Arena.
His thanksgiving service, held on April 30 at the Methodist Central Hall in Coventry, was attended by nearly 1,000 people and viewed online by 3,400 more.
A GoFundMe page was set up shortly after Seb’s death on March 30, in the hope of easing the burden for Fran and Maisy.
Visit gofund.me/a5fcf1e9 to donate.
