Andrew WITHINGTON Obituary

Still feel shocked and saddened 2 weeks later. What a huge loss you are, Andrew. So glad you are in the arms of our precious Lord and Saviour now.

So many people have written heart-felt messages of sadness and grief as they learnt of the passing of Dr. Andrew Withington.
I've taken a few days to process the enormity of this loss to his family and friends and to the choral community in both Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally. I'll let the tears flow and write a few thoughts.
I'm trying to remember when I first met Andrew and I think it was as students of Mary Adams-Taylor back in the late 1990's/early 2000's. I worked with him as a vocal coach with choirs, watching him shaping the sound with his body movement and hand gestures. He was spirited, energetic and passionate about his craft. I always looked blankly at him when he was hoping students could hear the overtones in the sound and ask excitedly "did you hear that, did you hear that?"
The pitch in his voice got higher and higher - "Yes that's it, that's it." Where I was left thinking I was missing part of my inner ear.
He was a mentor, giving so much advice and written feedback when he observed me conducting. Andrew generously shared his knowledge because he was an educator and wanted everyone to be their best. I learnt that maintaining high standards is essential regardless of the age or ability of the group you are standing in front of. Everyone can learn something new that will improve their sound.
I am so grateful to have had the privilege to work beside him, to have learnt from him and to experience his genuine enthusiasm for life and love of music.
He always asked after my family with genuine interest when we chatted and sometimes that is missing in the music world when we become so focused on the job. Every conversation was interspersed with funny moments. His laugh was iconic, the sound waves vibrating through your body.
Thank you Andrew for being part of my musical journey in the conducting world, for sharing yourself with me as a mentor, colleague and friend. As others have so rightly said, your legacy lives on as we endeavour to maintain your high standards and continue to educate others of the joys of singing in a choir.

Andrew was an amazing part of my daughter´s music education at Westminster College and a beautiful person. He will never be forgotten. Our many condolences to his family.

Like many others, I am saddened buy Andrew's untimely passing. Over a relatively short time, Andrew has had a significant impact on many musical lives and organisations, particularly in the choral world. However, he also created a number of successful instrumental arrangements for his chamber orchestra at Cobham Intermediate, which I still use today. They will continue to be an ongoing memorial to him.

I knew Andrew as Mr Withington - my teacher at Cobham Intermediate in 2004. His enthusiasm and warmth has stayed with me over the years, alongside an appreciation of his incredible musical talent. I am very sorry to hear of his passing.

So very sorry to hear of Andrew's passing. I worked with him for many years at the Carols by Candlelight on Christmas Eve. He was an amazing person who could get the best from any group and make them feel at ease. He was so professional, friendly and just made us laugh. I never took for granted how lucky we were to have him as a part of this event. I loved working with Andrew and was so shocked to read of his passing. Condolences to his family and friends for this huge loss - Carolyn

I have such fond memories of working with Andrew and Nigel for Carols by Candlelight and more recently having Andrew in my singing studio as he observed the students. He brought a chocolate bar for each student. I am sad to be out of the country and not able to attend the celebration of His life. His warmth and passion will remain with me always. Much love Juliet

I remember all his silly sayings at SSC - we loved him so much, I can remember the fun we had with him like it was yesterday.

I am so sad to hear of Andrew's passing. His love for others permeated all that he did. He used his incredible gifts in music for others. I am so grateful for his expertise and inspiration shared with me and so many others. Rest in peace, Andrew, in the presence of our Saviour

I first met Andrew when I travelled with NZ Secondary Students' Choir to Kathaumiwx in 2002. I was so impressed with him in those very early days of his remarkable conducting career, and I followed him ever since at so many NZCF choral events. What a tremendous talent, and delightfully happy personality. It is truly sad he has left us, much much too soon. I send aroha to his family, his friends and all of the choral world in New Zealand

My deepest condolences to the family. He was an inspiration to me.

I was saddened to read of Andrew's passing. My thoughts are with you all xx

I had the honor to meet Andrew in WCG 2024 Auckland. It was very brief but a pleasant memory. I am sorry we will no longer be able to meet again. I extend my condolences to his family and all those whose lives he touched with his music.

My deepest of condolences to God his family and the loved ones around him. I only knew Dr. Worthington for a year in college, but he was always just a bundle of joy for me. He encouraged me to give choral singing a try and it was one of the things I cherished most in college, especially whenever he was the professor. Gone way too soon.

I was privileged to meet Andrew when a group of us joined a mutual friend on her last holiday to the Gold Coast. Our friendship grew over a `nice cup of tea and a slice´ I have fond memories of many hours spent laughing with Andrew and putting the world to rights. A kind, charming, darling man who has been taken too soon. Gone but never forgotten fly high Andrew. My sincere condolences to the family for this sad loss.

I heard such alot about Andrews musical talents through his Aunty Glenda whom I worked with over a number of years. My thoughts are with all the family at this sad time but I know Glenda would be greeting him with open arms at the pearly gates.

I remember Andrew's amazing skill at portraying Mr Bumble the Beadle in the AGHS/SBHS production of Oliver! A lasting memory of a talented singer. My condolences to you all. NZ's musical community will miss him.

So very sad to hear of Andrews passing. Our paths crossed over the years. Firstly when he played at my wedding, secondly when he taught my daughter at Cobham Intermediate, and most recently when he was visiting his students on placement at Middleton Grange. A huge loss for his family, friends, those whose lives he impacted and those that he never got the chance to. A beautiful soul taken too soon. Donna Wilson

My thoughts are with you all. Fond memories of a very talented choir director who I supported as Chair of NZSSC for 10 years.
I will be watching the funeral via livesream from London. Love Linda Webb MNZM

Andrew was my tutor at NZGSE during 2009-10. He held himself-and others-to the highest of standards, and offered me valuable advice and guidance throughout my training. After I graduated, I next saw Andrew in action at the mass choir rehearsals for the Christchurch Schools' Music Festival, where it was clear he was in his element. His loss will be deeply felt by his friends, family, and colleagues. I extend my heartfelt sympathies to them.

Special condolences to Andrew's families we'll remember you forevermore, we will treasure the time we spent with Andrew in recent
weeks. love to you all.
From Uncle Colin Aunty Dorothy & your cousins Julianna Meleisa Sheldon & Kamen