Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Calkin, James
CALKIN, JAMES (1786–1862), organist and composer, was born in London in 1786. He studied under Thomas Lyon and Dr. Crotch, and was one of the earliest members and directors of the Philharmonic Society. On the consecration of the Regent Square Church, Gray's Inn Road, Calkin was appointed organist, a post he held for thirty years. In 1846 his madrigal, ‘When Chloris weeps,’ gained a prize from the Western Madrigal Society. His long, uneventful life was almost entirely devoted to teaching, in which he acquired considerable reputation as a successful master. His compositions include an overture and symphony for orchestra, string quartets, and a large quantity of pianoforte music. Calkin died at 12 Oakley Square, Camden Town, in 1862.
[Information from Mr. J. B. Calkin; Baptie's Handbook of Musical Biography; Musical Directory.]