Wilfrid Mellers was born in 1914 in Leamington and studied English and Music at Cambridge. He had a very distinguished career as a pioneering scholar, composer and academic. He was founding Professor of the Department of Music at the University of York, and was also a sought-after visiting professor in USA and Australia. His books display his insight, erudition and boundless enthusiasm and many have become classics. As a composer, he has a predilection for vocal writing, but as well as choral and solo vocal music, he also composed for a wide range of instrumental ensembles. UYMP published new editions of two works in honour of Mellers's ninetieth birthday.

It is with sadness that the University of York Music Press relays news of the death of Wilfrid Mellers. Full obituaries that recount some of the details of his extraordinary life may can be found in The Guardian, The Independent, The Telegraph and The Times.