New choir director in call for choristers (From Gazette & Herald)

New choir director in call for choristers

10:53am Wednesday 9th January 2013 in News

A MUCH-acclaimed village choir has a high-flying new director.

Robert Dufton who has been involved with the choirs at Ampleforth Abbey, Truro Cathedral and Sheffield Cathedral, has become the director of Bulmer choir and he is keen to recruit new members.

He said: “Before the re-popularisation of choral singing by the likes of Gareth Malone and Last Choir Standing, the tradition of a village choir had been carried on quietly on the back of Anglican churches and the English community spirit.

“It took reality television to bring this noble past-time into the limelight.

“Singing is something most people can do and most of the rest can appreciate.”

Robert, who last year published a book on choral technique, The Lay Clerks Handbook, has worked with the Bulmer choir on its first engagement of the new season a showcase of song climaxing with some ethereal carolling, which was staged in the village hall. He is joint head of a start-up music production company and founder of a performance permissions management company.

Now, he is urging would be choristers to join the choir which rehearses at Bulmer Village Hall each Wednesday at 7.45pm. “There are no auditions or iimmediate obligations,” said Robert who can be phoned on 07734 850004.