David Reedy, 1 April 1941 – 19 July 2024

David Reedy had been a member of St Philip's for some years, but recently had been in residential care. His wife, Margot, died several months earlier.

David was a professional in music and theatre, a superb singer, and a teacher and mentor to many. He was a special friend to Colin and Pat Forbes and his death was felt keenly by his friends and by Canberra's lovers of good music.

David, alongside his wife Margot Reedy, founded and funded the Canberra Opera Workshop, which became Canberra Opera Inc. and is now National Opera. David was a masterful teacher of the bel canto singing technique and deeply committed to nurturing singers and fostering their success. There are many artists in the local community whose lives have been enriched by the artistry David helped establish.

David's funeral service was held at the Chapel of Norwood Park Crematorium on Tuesday 30 July 2024.

The eulogy was given by David's sister Helen Gibson. There were tributes by brother-in-law, Brian McKeown, by Brett Lewis and Colin Forbes, friends of David’s, and by Chris McNee, a singer and drama producer, who had also been taught by David.

Music included the hymns Psalm 23 and Amazing Grace, "Lascio ch’io pianga" from Handel’s Rinaldo, by G. F. Handel, HWV 7 (1711), sung by Georgia Connelly, a student of David’s, a recording of Luciano Pavarotti singing "Nessun Dorma" from Turandot, played after the committal and, as a recessional, the first movement from Piano Sonata no 14 in C-sharp minor, Op 27, no. 2, by Ludwig van Beethoven, "The Moonlight", played by Colin Forbes.

The Revd Dr Colin Dundon lead the service, offering prayers and a reflection the way that our passion for music and beauty draws on the beauty and passion of God for us and all of creation.