Tributes Paid to Beloved Community Musician and Choir Leader Janet Walker

August 20, 2026

Tributes have poured in following the death of Janet Walker, a legendary musical figure, pianist, and choir leader who inspired generations of children and adults across the community.

Mrs. Walker, who passed away in August, was widely known as the Musical Director of the Leigh Orpheus Male Voice Choir and the Step-Up Choir. As the wife of Councillor Chris Walker, the former mayor of Southend (2014–15), she was a prominent and cherished local figure, deeply devoted to music education.

Mrs. Walker touched countless lives through her leadership of the West Leigh Junior School Boys Choir and her frequent collaborations with the Leigh-based disability music charity, The Music Man Project Essex.

David Stanley BEM, founder of The Music Man Project, paid an emotional tribute on social media, recalling her remarkable impact:

“Jan was a legendary musical figure in her community – a pianist, choir leader and dedicated teacher of generations of children. In recent years, Jan performed many concerts with The Music Man Project Essex, featuring her beloved West Leigh Junior School Boys Choir. It was such a privilege to witness Jan teaching the boys. They adored her and she had a magical way of getting the most out of them.”

Through these collaborative performances, Mrs. Walker helped raise thousands of pounds for The Music Man Project UK charity. Fittingly, friends and supporters celebrated her final concert with the Boys Choir only weeks before her passing.

Beyond her local school and charity work, Janet is fondly remembered for her extensive history with the West Leigh Boys Choir. Her tenure included preparing young singers for major performances, such as memorable renditions of Carmina Burana at London's Royal Albert Hall and concerts at St Paul's Church in Covent Garden.

Her warmth, musical dedication, and gift for bringing out the absolute best in her students leave a lasting legacy in the hearts of the community she served for so many years.

We send our sincere condolences to Mrs Walker's family, Janet was truly a very special person.

Picture: Janet Walker – Picture from The Music Man Project UK Facebook post.