Tom Hammond, the young conductor of the St Albans Symphony Orchestra, has died suddenly on December 27th, just one week after tweeting about getting the COVID booster shot.
Hammond, who was scheduled to perform at the New Year’s Cathedral concert this Saturday, founded the Hertfordshire Festival of Music in 2016 and was described as a dynamic, award-winning conductor known for his exciting and thoughtful programming and broad repertoire.
Fellow musician Poppy Beddou, who administers COVID shots at a Brixton Customer Centre, tweeted on December 19th:
“If you want a booster from meeee then come to Lambeth Civic Centre today – vaxing here until 7. Walkins welcome xoxoxo
#booster #letsgetvaxed #GetVaccinatedNow #boosterforchristmas #earlychristmaspresent
Hammond responded to the tweet an hour later saying:
“Best jabber in south London – don’t miss out on this opportunity!
#booster”
His death was announced on Thursday by Hertfordshire Festival of Music, although his cause of death has not been released:
Hammond was a fervent supporter of Palestinian causes and conductor of the Palestine Youth Orchestra, which released a statement after his death was announced saying:
“We are shocked and saddened to learn that a great friend and family member of the Palestine Youth Orchestra Tom Hammond has passed away. We extend our deepest condolences to his family.
The world has lost an amazing human being. Tom, thank you for everything, you will be dearly missed.
May he Rest In Peace.”
Member of PYO, Mohamed Najem, added:
“All Palestinian musicians are mourning today.”
Hammond had made a tremendous impact on the lives around him and he will be thoroughly missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife and children.
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