John Bertalot

John Bertalot (15 September 1931 – 21 February 2026) was an English organist, who served at Blackburn Cathedral in England and at Trinity Church in Princeton, New Jersey, in the United States.

Early life and education Bertalot was born in Maidstone, Kent, in 1931. His grandfather, Giacomo Augusto Bertalot (1865−1929), was an Italian coal merchant who settled in Wales.

Bertalot was inspired to study the organ during a visit to Canterbury Cathedral as a child. After studying at Shoreham Grammar School, he trained under Harold Darke at the Royal College of Music in London. His funeral was held at Blackburn Cathedral on 14 March 2026.

Works Bertalot was known for his practical approach to teaching, John Bertalot's Immediately Practical Tips for Choral Directors (1994) How to be a Successful Choir Director (2002)