Patrick Shelley, whose sudden death was announced in May, was not only a fine musician but an irreplaceable friend to very many.  He joined the staff of Sherborne School in 1966 as head of woodwind, and proved to be an inspirational teacher.  He filled his pupils with enthusiasm for many types of music; he revived the CCF band and took it to great heights. In 1974, with Robert Glen as producer and Augusta Miller as chorus master, he founded Dorset Opera as an independent enterprise which flourished every summer in the sympathetic environment of Sherborne School.  He financed the first production, The Bartered Bride, himself.  As with all his activities, he aimed at and achieved the highest standards and gave countless young (and not so young) people the unforgettable experience of working with professional soloists and orchestra in high quality performances of grand operas.

In 1982 Patrick became Head of Music at Sherborne School, and his years in that post resulted not only in a department of acclaimed excellence but also saw an increasingly fruitful musical co-operation with Sherborne School for Girls and St Antony’s-Leweston School.  Dorset Opera went from strength to strength and attracted interest and approval from national and international critics and opera lovers, as well as from its own devoted supporters nearer home. At the time of his death he was preparing with his usual huge energy for this year’s opera, Hunyadi László by Ferenc Erkel.  The show will go on, as he would certainly have wished.

Patrick retired early as Head of Music due to ill health, but continued to teach with undiminished enthusiasm literally to the day he died. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and pupils for his musicality and kindness, and his talent for friendship which was so often marked by his unforgettable ebullient laughter.