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William J. Watson

William J. Watson was an Irish organist, pianist, choir director, music educator and composer who worked in Dublin, Ireland during the 20th century.

He was born in May 11th, 1913 in Carrickfergus, County Antrim, Ireland. He was the son of a Methodist Minister who moved his family to Dun Laoghaire, on the outskirts of Dublin, in the early years of William Watson’s life.

William Watson died in Dublin on Wednesday January 14th 1987 after a short illness.

He is buried in Deans Grange Cemetery, Dublin.

In 1935, at the age of 22, he was appointed organist and choirmaster of St. Ann's Church, Dawson Street, in the centre of Dublin, a position he still held at his death, 52 years later.

In 1935 he also joined the staff of Kingstown School, Dun Laoghaire, and later taught at the Diocesan School, Wesley College, Dublin (where he was Head of Music). In 1938 he was married by Archdeacon Crozier in Liverpool to Beth Cartmel; Beth Watson died on January 2nd 2000.

He also taught at the Leinster School of Music & Drama on Harcourt Street, Dublin, as well as privately, and in his later years at the Newpark Music Centre. He gave numerous recitals in both Ireland and England and during his career.

He was a very fine organist and musician, being awarded the Turpin and the Lafontaine prizes at the Fellowship and Associateship examinations of the Royal College of Organists very early in his career. (1)

He is remembered with affection by many of his students who, with his instruction, help and advice, were able to develop successful careers in the field of music, and also by many who sang in the St. Ann's choir as boys and men. (2) (3)

During his time at St. Ann's Church, Dawson Street, he instigated and supervised numerous improvements to the three manual organ there; not least the transfer of the organ console from the west gallery to the chancel; these were undertaken in the 1970’s and 1980’s by The Irish Organ Company.

He was also a music examiner for the Department of Education (Ireland).

Compositions: ‘The Soul’s Desire’; ‘Sleep & Weep you no more’ and some Part Songs.

He held the following degrees and diplomas:
 * Master of Arts (M.A.) from the Dublin University, Trinity College,
 * Bachelor of Music (Mus. B.) from the Dublin University, Trinity College,
 * Fellow of the Royal College of Organists (F.R.C.O.),
 * Associate of the Royal College of Organists (A.R.C.O.),
 * Fellow of Trinity College of Music London (F.T.C.L.),
 * Licentiate of Trinity College of Music London (L.T.C.L.) ,
 * Associate of Trinity College of Music London (A.T.C.L.) and
 * Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music London (L.R.A.M.).

References