Herman Brearley

Herman Brearley (died 1940) was an English cathedral organist, who served in Blackburn Cathedral.

Background Herman Brearley was born in Batley, Yorkshire. In 1905, he and his wife lived in Hastings.

He was appointed Conductor of the Preston Choral Society in 1918, and conductor of the Blackburn Philharmonic Choral Society in 1922. He was also the Conductor of the Meistersingers Society, the Northrop Male Voice Choir and the Grammar School Society.

He was also Blackburn Borough organist, the first holder of the post, 1922 - 1930. His family moved to Blackburn in 1924.

In 1937, he succeeded Harold Dawber as Chorus Master of the Hallé Choir.

Private life He married Mabel Daisy Root (1880–1962), who was a pianist and piano teacher. They had three children including Molly Brearley, who led the Froebel Educational Institute from 1955 to 1970.

Career Assistant Organist of: Lichfield Cathedral?–1895

Organist of: Halstead Parish Church, Essex, 1895–1901 Holy Trinity, Hastings, 1901–???? All Saints, Hastings?–1916 Blackburn Cathedral, 1916–1939