Ralph William Downes, also known as Ralph Downes, born on August 16, 1904, in Derby, was an English organist, organ designer, teacher, and music director. He studied at the Royal College of Music from 1922 to 1923 and served as assistant organist at Southwark Cathedral from 1923 to 1925. Downes moved to Keble College, Oxford, until 1928, then became the director of music and organist at Princeton University's new chapel from 1928 to 1935. Upon returning to London, he was involved in designing modern organs for the Royal Festival Hall in 1948. Downes also taught at the Royal College of Music from 1954 to 1975, mentoring notable organists like Gillian Weir and Thomas Trotter. He received the CBE in 1969 and passed away on December 24, 1993.
