Professor emeritus Dr. Richard Cox died Dec. 25.
He was professor of music at UNCG from 1960 until his retirement in 2002. Between 1970 and 2011, he wrote three books related to vocal and choral music, which continue to be used as references.
Cox also founded and directed the Bel Canto Company (1982-1987) and for many years guided choral preparation for the Greensboro Opera Company. He received numerous awards over the years, most recently the ArtsGreensboro O. Henry Award (2014), and was inducted into the North Carolina Music Educators Association Hall of Fame the following year.
One former student wrote, “I am grateful every day to have had a mentor who put the music first – it was never about him—just the music and the singers; who supported equal rights and lived in a way that promoted social justice; and who supported and encouraged all of his students.” Another wrote, “I have had the privilege of knowing some incredible musicians in my lifetime, but I have never known a more consummate musician than Richard Cox. He simply was music and you could not help but be musical in his presence.”
In reflecting upon his life recently, Cox wrote:
“Finally, don’t grieve for me! I’ve had a really wonderful life. I’ve been blessed with an incredibly wonderful wife, who, in addition to taking care of me, has filled our home with beautiful and charming things, including herself. I’ve had intelligent, productive, and loving children who further blessed me with terrific spouses and delightful grandchildren. I’ve spent my life among many of the world’s greatest composers, and I’ve had gifted and responsive students, many of whom went on to distinguished careers. What a life!”
A UNCG scholarship bears his name, the Richard Cox Vocal Arts Scholarship.
