Contact the choir via email UK Registered Charity Number 1090818 Patrons: Cecilia McDowall, Councillor John Ashmore, Robin Kimber Web page created by Neil Hawes Last update 16/4/08

45 requests for information... 15 applications... 6 shortlisted candidates...

This was the encouraging response to our advertisement for a new Musical Director for 2008. On 10th and 17th October 2007, we auditioned the 6 shortlisted candidates. Each candidate was interviewed by the choir committee and then conducted a 40 minute rehearsal to which the whole choir gave individual feedback. Despite the great variety of approach in terms of warm-up exercises, styles of conducting and accompanying, pace and development, Robert Hanson emerged as the clear favourite.

"...the atmosphere was very friendly and I was very encouraged by the choir’s response..." said a delighted Bob as he accepted the appointment. Our conductor, Robert Hanson (Bob), has been head of department in two institutions famous for their musical traditions - Dartington College of Arts and Morley College.

He now works freelance in order to have more time for composition, conducting and writing.

Bob brings a composer's awareness to the expressive shape of the music he rehearses and seeks to enhance singers' understanding as part of providing clear, economical and inspiring direction and leadership.

He initially trained as a pianist but then took the organist route for a time, which brought him to singing and the immense richness of the English choral tradition. On the way, however, he obtained a doctorate in the music of Webern and evolved a method of musical analysis which forms the basis of his theoretical teaching, the focus being on meaning and communication rather than dry technicalities. This rather unusual combination of interests helps Bob to empathise with and draw people into a wide range of music.

Bob has conducted professional and amateur groups in different parts of the country but now his work centres around London and Surrey.

His compositions cover the gamut of instrumental, orchestral, solo song and choral genres, the latter including a number of works composed or arranged for chamber choir, of which perhaps the most notable is a 40-part motet And There Shall Be No Night There, conceived as a companion piece to Tallis's celebrated Spem in Alium.

Our Musical Director improvising on the piano in the foyer of the Queen Elizabeth Hall, following the enthusiastic reception of the first performance of his jazz composition "Reconnections" at "Zem Audu's Reconnection Project" on 6th April 2008.