On Saturday 21st May, a Memorial Mass was held for Old Edmundian Mirko Kurtanjek who sadly passed away in March 2020. Mirko was a student at the college from 1965 to 1970 and House Captain of Douglass House. 

The Mass, organised with great dedication by OE Lionel Woodward, was originally planned to be held in 2020 but was delayed due to Covid restrictions. Taking place at the Church of Our Lady of Consolation in Horsham, the Mass was celebrated by his Lordship Bishop Richard Moth, Bishop of Arundel & Brighton. 

Lionel and Mirko knew each other before joining St Edmund's as they were previously both Choristers at Westminster Cathedral. It was here that they met Colin Mawby who was Master of Music and his assistant, David Bevan, both hugely important and inspiring musicians. Sadly, they have now also passed away and the Mass was an opportunity to celebrate the lives of Mirko, David and Colin together.  As all three had been involved in music from such an early age, it was fitting that very special music was chosen for the occasion.  Lionel had organised for the Goller Mass setting to be sung, in addition to several anthems and psalms which included a setting of Psalm 103 by David Bevan and a Responsorial setting of Psalm 150 by Colin Mawby.  Directed by Tony Bevan and accompanied by his son, Organist Michael, the Choir also sang Mawby's Comunion Motets 'Caro Mea' and 'O Scrum Convivium'.  This was followed by tributes to all three men including one to Mirko by his son David. 

Our own Director of Music, James Woodhall represented the college and spent the afternoon prior to the service rehearsing with the choir. It was a great honour for James to sing such special pieces and participate in a wonderful memorial to three such esteemed musicians. The Mass was filmed and if anyone would like a link please contact Nikki King at Alumni@stedmundscollege.org