19/08/2026
It is with the greatest sadness that I share the news that my very dear friend & colleague, Paul Groake, passed away on Thursday 13 August.
It is incredibly difficult to put into words what Paul meant to me personally & to all of us at Adagio.
I first met Paul over 30 years ago, when I was a student at The Hammond and he was accompanying my classes. Never could I have imagined then that our friendship and working relationship would span more than three decades, or that all these years later he would become such an important and much-loved part of life at Adagio & my life
For most of those 30 years, Paul played for our examinations. He knew the nerves, the excitement and the importance of exam days & his calm presence, wonderful musicianship & humour were always such a reassurance to both the children & me.
Over the past three years, Paul became part of our everyday Adagio family, playing for us on a daily basis. His music filled our studios and he brought so much more to our classes than simply playing the piano.
Paul genuinely loved playing for our children and college students. He encouraged them & supported them. He knew when they were nervous, when they needed a little lift and when a piece of music or one of his comments would make everyone smile.
Many of our children simply knew and loved him as “Mr Paul.” His place at the piano became such a familiar part of Adagio, and I know there will be an enormous space in our studios without him.
After more than 30 years of friendship, saying goodbye feels incredibly difficult. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had that friendship for so long.
Thank you, Paul, for the music, the laughter, the friendship & for everything you gave to me & to Adagio. Our studios simply will not be the same without you.
Paul's family have set up a JustGiving page to help towards the cost of his funeral and memorial. If you are able to make a donation, however small, it would be greatly appreciated.
Our love and deepest condolences are with Paul's family and loved ones.
Rest in peace, Mr Paul.
With all my love,
Bronwen Patching
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/suzanne-groarke-oliver?utm_medium=CF&utm_source=CL
