Christopher Noel Rawsthorne, born December 24, 1929 in Birkenhead, United Kingdom, was a British organist and composer. At eight, he became a chorister at Liverpool Parish Church, sparking his interest in the pipe organ. He studied under Caleb Jarvis at St George's Hall and pursued further organ studies at the Royal Manchester College of Music under Harold Dawber. In 1949, Rawsthorne became the Assistant Organist of Liverpool Cathedral and earned his Associateship of the Royal College of Organists (ARCO), becoming a fellow (FRCO) in 1953. He succeeded Harry Goss-Custard as Organist of Liverpool Cathedral in 1955, serving until 1980. During this time, he composed numerous choral works, notably Festive Eucharist (1978). Rawsthorne also contributed to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and mentored Ian Tracey. He died on January 28, 2019, in Liverpool, England.
