Michael Morrow (2 October 1929 – 20 April 1994) was an Irish artist, ornithologist, musician and musicologist who, together with John Beckett, founded the British early music group Musica Reservata in London during the late 1950s.
At this point, in 1950, Michael met the young musician and harpsichord player John Beckett in the National Library of Ireland.
[4] Having won the Henry Higgins Travelling Scholarship while studying in the National College of Art, Michael spent a year in Munich, Paris and Florence, where he shared a pension with John ffrench.
[7] As there was little or no work for Michael in Dublin, he finally left for England at the end of 1953, and settled down in Hampstead, where John Beckett was now living.
[8] At some time during this period, Michael and John Beckett worked in Forte's Monaco restaurant in Piccadilly Circus, famous for its musical fountain.
[9] When not operating the fountain, Michael spent his time transcribing old music from a variety of sources found in libraries and museums in London.
This decision was based on his observations when listening to European and non-European folk music, in which medieval traditions of singing and playing had been preserved.
[20] Michael Morrow died on 20 April 1994 from Hepatitis C. John Beckett attended his funeral at Golders Green Crematorium, where he made an impromptu speech in praise of his friend.
[21] In July 1995, a 'Colloquium on Early Music in Memory of Michael Morrow' was held in Heinz and Ruth Liebrecht's house in Hampstead.
Lasting one day, it consisted of talks given by Margaret Bent, David Fallows, Tess Knighton, Warwick Edwards and Christopher Page.