George Guest

Bio

George Guest (1924–2002) was a Welsh organist and choral conductor renowned for his work with the Choir of St John’s College, Cambridge. Born in Bangor, he studied at the Royal College of Music and later became organist and choirmaster at St John’s, where he directed the choir from 1951 until his retirement in 1991. Under his leadership, the choir gained an international reputation for its performances of Anglican church music and choral repertoire. Guest made numerous recordings for Decca’s Argo label, focusing on English cathedral music, hymns, and works by composers such as Herbert Howells and Charles Villiers Stanford. He was also active as a teacher and examiner, influencing generations of organists and choral directors. His legacy is preserved through his extensive discography and the continued prominence of the St John’s College Choir.