A remarkable milestone is being celebrated in the coastal village of Walberswick, Suffolk, as local organist and choir leader Julia Josephs marks her 100th birthday with a musical performance at St Andrew's Church. Born in 1926, Josephs has spent nearly a century immersed in music, beginning her training at the age of four under the watchful eye of her mother, who would wake her early each morning for half an hour of practice before school.
Josephs' dedication to music led her to become a scholar at the Royal Academy of Music. During World War II, she would commute into London, entertaining troops on the train with her viola practice—a testament to her lifelong commitment to sharing her art. After the war, she taught herself the organ, an instrument she has played for decades, and eventually became the organist and choir leader at St Andrew's Church in Walberswick.
Beyond music, Josephs had a distinguished career as the owner and head of a girls' school in Leicestershire. She purchased her cottage in Walberswick around 1986, drawn by the charm of nearby Southwold during summer visits. She has lived there ever since, and retirement is not on her agenda. Once a month, she enjoys leading an evensong at the church, playing the organ despite her declining eyesight. To overcome this challenge, she uses specially enlarged sheet music and memorizes the pieces by practicing last thing at night, a technique she believes sharpens her memory.
The centenary concert will feature Josephs playing the organ alongside a brass quintet and a choir. The event, which includes a touch of champagne, promises to be a joyful celebration. Josephs described her choir as "lovely," and after the performances, they will gather at her home for a drink. Ahead of her birthday, she received a card from King Charles III and Queen Camilla, which delighted her, as she has long felt a connection to the royal family—she married around the same time as Charles, and their children are of similar ages.
Josephs credits music as the secret to her long life, though she humbly notes other factors might play a role. She remains fiercely independent, adamant that she will not move into a care home. Her story is an inspiration, showing that passion and melody can sustain a vibrant, active life well into the second century. The concert is not only a personal celebration but a gift to the community that has supported her for decades.
Source: MSN News