Sebastian Farrall, a treasured figure in Coventry and Warwickshire's music scene, has died at the age of 32 following a tragic cycling accident on his birthday, 30 March 2025.
Seb, 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 that would start a career defined by vision, risk-taking and success.
He co-founded Sing It Loud, an award-winning choir based in Leamington Spa 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.
'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.' - Rosie Sayers, Chair and co-founder of Sing It Loud
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.
'A dazzling force of nature: brilliant, multi-talented, and joyfully creative. Yet beyond all the dazzle, what shone brightest was his gentleness, his kindness and his steady, unwavering humility. He may be gone from our sight, but never from our future music-making, our memories or our hearts.' - David Rhodes, Coventry City of Culture Orchestra
Seb's work also extended to 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 the University of Warwick.
He was founder of Online Conductor, a resource hub aimed at removing barriers to music-making by supporting choirs with guide tracks, recorded by him and his wife in their home studio. During lockdown he became a master of online rehearsals and creating virtual choir performances. He even developed a mobile app to help singers with the home recording process.
The service, held on 30 April at the Methodist Central Hall in Coventry, was attended by nearly 1,000 people and viewed online by 3,400 more. It featured tributes from all of his ensembles, and musical contributions from Sing It Loud, his Orchestra, the Songsters and Brass Band from the Salvation Army, and his lifelong friend, Will Stevens, bass singer with the Welsh National Opera. The service lasted over two hours, reflecting the outpouring of love and the sheer number of people who wanted to share their memories and gratitude.
In lieu of flowers at the memorial, donations were requested for The Music Man Project, a charity supporting musicians with learning disabilities, an organisation that Seb championed. To date this fund has reached £1000.
Seb's legacy is one of faith, joy, generosity, and an unshakable belief in the power of music and love to bring people together. He leaves behind a devoted family, a huge network of grieving musical communities, and a lasting imprint on the cultural life of Coventry, Warwickshire and beyond.
If you'd like to help support Fran and Maisy, you can donate to their GoFundMe
