CBE honour for a church composer

John Rutter started composing as a student in Cambridge

A classical composer who has inspired choirs across the world has received a CBE in the New Year Honours.

John Rutter, 61, who studied at Clare College in Cambridge, still has strong links with the city although he travels the world as a conductor.

His honour recognises services to music and his commitment to composing music he says "people like to sing and play".

He is known as a composer of carols and church music receiving a Doctorate of Music in 1996.

From 1975 to 1979 Mr Rutter was director of music at Clare College and directed its choir in a series of tours and broadcasts but realised that his interests were in composition.

He gave up his post but formed the Cambridge Singers as a professional group dedicated to performing and recording his works.

"I write music that people will enjoy singing. I'm not ashamed of that," he said.

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Full honours list - Cambridgeshire

KNIGHTS BACHELOR

Dr John Richard Grenfell Bradfield, CBE. For services to Science, Business and to the community in Cambridge.

ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE

DBE

Professor Ann Patricia Dowling, CBE. Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cambridge. For services to Science.

Dr Evelyn Elizabeth Ann Glennie, OBE. Percussionist. For services to Music.

CBE

Professor Andrew Hopper. Professor of Computer Technology, University of Cambridge. For services to the Computer Industry.

Dr John Milford Rutter. Composer and conductor. For services to Music.

OBE

Dr Richard Dyer. Formerly director, Babraham Institute, Cambridge. For services to Biology.

Mrs Toni Christine Eastwood. Training and Business Development manager, Everywoman. For services to Equal Opportunities.

Harmesh Lakhanpaul. Director, Peterborough Race Equality Council. For services to Community Relations.

Kenneth Alan Shooter. Formerly Specialist Technology, Ofsted HM Inspectorate and Lead Adviser, Specialist Schools Programme, Department for Education and Skills.

Andrew Brian Simmons. Chief executive, Hertfordshire Connexions Partnership. For services to Young People.

MBE

Peter Brian Barlow. Formerly Principal assistant, Zoology Department, University of Cambridge. For services to Higher Education.

Mrs Barbara Mary Bell. Formerly Chair of Governors, Lady Adrian Special School, Cambridge.

Mrs Maureen Shirley Brown. For services to the community in Trumpington, Cambridge.

Dr Euan Kennedy Dunn. For services to Marine Conservation.

Mrs Judith Marion Evans. Leader, St. Ives District Rangers, Cambridgeshire. For services to Young People.

Mrs Sue Prudence Anne Evans. District Nurse. For services to Healthcare and to the community in Burwell.

Thomas George Harland. For services to the British Standards Institution.

Dr William Richard Bevan Jones. For services to the community in Sawston.

John Henry Lander. Senior Leading Hand Air Frame Fitter, Marshall Aerospace. For services to the Aerospace Industry.