We are very sorry to notify you of the passing of Harrison, who attended the School from 2016 until 2018.  

Harrison sadly passed away last weekend, aged 25 years.

Bev Steensma, Director of Music said: "Harrison joined Ipswich School in Sixth Form from 2016 to 2018. Many of you will remember him playing the organ in chapel services, as a Big Band keyboardist, and as the winner of the IS Young Musician in 2017.  After leaving, he spent a gap year as Organ Scholar at Wells Cathedral. He then went on to Trinity College, Cambridge, where he was Organ Scholar, followed by a year as Assistant Organist at Gonville and Caius College. Most recently, he had been serving as Assisting Organist at King’s College, Cambridge."

Gillian Tett, provost of King’s College, said: “During his time at King’s Harrison accompanied the Choir on recordings, broadcasts and tours, including two Festivals of Nine Lessons and Carols, and tours to Australia, Estonia, USA and Canada."

Harrison was an exceptionally talented musician, and many of you will remember him with great affection and admiration. I am sure you will all join me in holding Harrison and his family in our thoughts at this tragic time.

We are conscious that some people who knew Harrison during his time at the School may not be in contact with us and we would be very grateful if you could pass on this information to those that you know.

As is usual practice, we would like to place an obituary for Harrison in the 2025-26 OI Journal. If you know of any stories or memories which you can pass on to us so we can put them together for the publication we would be most grateful. Please address any contributions to me through oldipswichians@ipswich.school

Sally Webber
OI Chair

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This is truly heartbreaking to read. I was looking forward to following what seemed set to be a stellar musical career. Upon reading this last night, I sought solace in the magnificent recording he made with Trinity College Choir of Durufle's Requiem. You just have to read the comments to see what an outstanding rendition this is https://youtu.be/Z1Wx87CtFPQ?is=mtabtrcxddbB9Ft5

May his soul rest in peace.

Peter MacLeod (OI 1970-81)

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I was so sorry to hear the news of Harrison’s death. During our time at Ipswich we were close friends, bonding over music, history and literature.

I’d love to contribute some memories of Harrison that sprung to mind upon seeing the news of his passing.

The first one that came to mind was at the 2018 Snape Maltings concert, our last at the school being in Upper Sixth at the time. During this concert Harrison led the orchestra in a performance of Handel’s Messiah; he was a fantastic and charismatic performer and I distinctly remember sitting in the audience for the whole performance and standing alongside the whole of the concert hall when he received a standing ovation for his performance. I had been at the school for 5 years and had been at 7 Snape Maltings concerts and never seen a full standing ovation till Harrison’s performance that year. In his typical way, he accepted it with grace and credited the whole of the supporting orchestra too.

He was a wonderfully talented musician, and a great friend and I wish his family, friends and the staff that knew him all the best.

Nathanael French (OI 2013-18)

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Harrison was a beacon of brilliance, not only in his musicality which he will rightfully be remembered by, but also in his wit, intellect and kindness. I remember when he joined the school and immediately launched himself into every aspect of the music department; we all knew his talents were completely undeniable. He was so generous with his time and talent, always helping other realise their potential. I still remember the lecture he delivered on Wagner’s Ring Cycle, the quality and detail of which I am sure would not have gone amiss in the hallowed halls of Trinity College, where he perhaps predictably ended up studying and playing his beloved organ. Everyone who knew Harrison will have so many long-lasting and happy memories of the time they spent in his company. All of us knew he was a prodigious, generational talent and a wonderful man who will be sorely missed.

James Warner (OI 2007-18)

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Excerpt from The Times newspaper 30.06.2026

COLE Harrison James died suddenly on 7th June 2026, aged 25. Dearly-loved son of Trudy and Chris, devoted brother to Josh, loving partner of Luke. Harrison was assisting organist at King's College, Cambridge, and a friend and inspiration to many in the Cambridge University music community and beyond. Harrison's funeral will take place in King's College Chapel on 3rd July at 2pm. No flowers by request please. Donations to establish a foundation in Harrison's name to support and encourage young organists can be made via the King's College website if desired: kings.cam.ac.uk/opportunities/support-chapel-and-choir

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