A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Roberts, Varley
ROBERTS, J. Varley, Mus. Doc., native of Stanningley, near Leeds, born Sept. 25, 1841. He exhibited much early ability for music, and at twelve was appointed organist of S. John's, Farsley, near Leeds. In 1862 he became organist of S. Bartholomew's, Armley, and in 1868 received his present appointment of organist and choirmaster of the parish church, Halifax, after a competitive trial, Dr. E. G. Monk acting as umpire. In 1871 he graduated Mus. Bac., and in 1876 Mus. Doc., at Christ Church, Oxford. During his organistship at Halifax, upwards of £3000 have been raised to enlarge the organ, originally built by Snetzler—the instrument upon which Sir Wm. Herschel, the renowned astronomer, formerly played—and it is now one of the finest and largest in the North of England.
In 1876 Dr. Roberts became a Fellow in the College of Organists, London. He has published a sacred cantata, 'Jonah,' for voices and orchestra (Novello); an Appendix and a Supplement to Cheetham's Psalmody; a Morning Communion and Evening Service in D; an Evening Service in F; anthems, organ voluntaries, and songs. [App. pp.772–3 "Add that in 1882 he was elected organist at Magdalen College, Oxford, succeeding Mr. Parratt. In 1884 the University Glee and Madrigal Society was founded under his conductorship; it now numbers about 150 members. In 1885 he accepted the post of organist of St. Giles's, Oxford, and in the same year was appointed examiner in music to the Oxford Local Examinations, and also became conductor of the Oxford Choral Society. In 1886 he was appointed one of the University examiners for musical degrees. The latest addition to the list of his church music is an anthem, 'I will sing unto the Lord,' written for the Jubilee Service in Magdalen College."]