Conductor José de Felipe has passed away at the age of 85.

Felipe was born on April 15, 1940 in Moscow, where his parent were exiled during the Franco regime. After studying in Moscow, he founded the Children’s Choir of the Soviet RTV.

Later, Felipe founded and conducted the Madrid Community Children’s Choir and the Polytechnic University Choir of Madrid. He also conducted the National Choir of Spain and Anthology of the Zarzuela of Jose Tamayo, Santo Thomas Aquinas Choir, Virgin of Mirasierra Choir, and at the School of the Royal Monastery of Escorial. Felipe served as professor of choral direction at the Padre Antonio Soler Conservatory of the Community of Madrid.

No details regarding a funeral service have been released at this time.