The Old Diocesan Issue 10 - Magazine - Page 28
Entertainment news
From a sad farewell to laughter and saintly praise, it’s been a
mix of emotions for ODs in entertainment over the last year
We were saddened to hear the news
that a young OD, Chris Luyendijk
(2007K), had died in January 2024,
aged 34, while still making his mark on
the music scene in the UK and beyond.
In a tribute on odunion.com, his close
friend James Emslie (2007B) recalled
Chris’s “prodigious musical talent”
as well as his empathy and loyalty.
His parents, Penny and Leo Luyendijk,
were both music lovers and taught
at the Bishops Music School. With
that kind of pedigree, it was almost
inevitable that Chris would launch
his own career in music, becoming a
composer, singer, songwriter, guitarist
and record producer.
His musical influences ranged from
Queen and Pink Floyd to Grandaddy
and Leonard Cohen, with classical
influences also in the mix. Based
mainly in London, he played with
various bands on the UK festival
circuit, including at Glastonbury,
Secret Garden Party and GuilFest.
He also regularly collaborated with
his wife, Amy Crankshaw – herself an
accomplished musician – performing
with the London City Orchestra and
Guildhall New Music Society.
In addition, he worked on solo
projects under the names Chris
Willow and Lava Kiss. His albums
and singles can be streamed on
Spotify or Apple Music.
24 | THE OLD DIOCESAN
PHOTOGRAPH OF CHRIS LUYENDIJK SOFAR LONDON/SOFAR SOUNDS/ANNA PFALZGRAF
REQUIEM FOR CHRIS