title: Mervyn John Byers
text: # Mervyn John Byers
  
  Mervyn John Byers FTCL ARCO (CHM) FRSCM (Hon) (23 March 1924 – 2 March 2011) was an Australian organist and composer.
  
  ## Background
  
  He was born on 23 March 1924 in Burwood, Sydney. After five years' war service, he won a scholarship to the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. He then completed his education at the University of London.
  
  After he retired from Selby Abbey in 1987 he moved back to Australia.
  
  He died on 2 March 2011 in Blackheath, NSW
  
  ## Appointments
  
  * Organist at Bridlington Priory 1952 - 1957
  * Organist at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney 1957 - 1965
  * Organist at Selby Abbey 1966 – 1976 and 1980 - 1987
  
  ## Recordings
  
  He is well known for the recording of organ music he produced from Selby Abbey in 1969.
  
  Cultural offices :
  
  | Preceded byKenneth Long | Organist of St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney 1957 - 1965 | Succeeded byMichael Hemans |
  | - | - | - |
  | Preceded byDavid Patrick Gedge | Organist of Selby Abbey 1966 - 1976 | Succeeded byPeter Seymour |
  | Preceded byAnthony Langford | Organist of Selby Abbey 1980 - 1987 | Succeeded byGeoffrey Pearce |
  