Stephen Cleobury to Retire from King's

[ardcarp]

The foreign tours are expected by the College in order to keep the profile of the choir high, but reduce the amount of time available to prepare for recordings and broadcasts, especially the 9 Lessons.

Oh my heart bleeds for him...or maybe it will be a her?

[Finzi4ever]

This is all a bit of fun, but for pure speculation I think Christopher Gray fits the bill perfectly - fabulous organist, even better choir trainer, and sufficiently young and full of energy. Plenty of other good candidates though in the field. Robert Quinney isn't one of them though. New College under him sound ragged, unblended and unpleasant to listen to IMHO. Other names that spring to mind: Sarah Baldock, Geraint Bowen (only 54), Ashley Grote, Tim Noon, Robert Sharpe. Although they would probably not take the post given their current jobs - Stephen Layton, Andrew Carwood and Dan Hyde also spring to mind.

You're forgetting that Ch Ch Oxon have just appointed Stephen Darlington's successor, which removes 'a certain person' from any potential shortlist at King's...

[Vox Humana]

You're forgetting that Ch Ch Oxon have just appointed Stephen Darlington's successor, which removes 'a certain person' from any potential shortlist at King's...

I've lost the plot (not for the first time). Who have they appointed?

[mercia]

http://www.rhinegoldjobs.co.uk/uploa...articulars.pdf

"While it would be an advantage in the training of the Organ Scholars for the Director of Music to be an organist, this is not essential for appointment"

I guess that has always been the case ?

[DracoM]

Who is ChCh's post Darlington successor? News to me. Another incredibly hard act to follow.

[Caussade]

Who is ChCh's post Darlington successor? News to me. Another incredibly hard act to follow.

There's certainly an appointment as of last week, and the name is getting around a bit as they always do, but until there's an official announcement from Oxford it would be inappropriate to identify the appointee here, I think.

[mopsus]

Here's a not entirely serious suggestion (bad language alert!): http://theporterslog.com/news/singin...irector-music/

I think the changes I described above should be borne in mind when comparing King's choir now, with, say the Willcocks era. The choral services are less central to the college's primary purpose than they are to that of a Cathedral, which also makes a difference - there is some point behind the satire in the link above.

[ardcarp]

Here's a not entirely serious suggestion (bad language alert!): http://theporterslog.com/news/singin...irector-music/

Love it.

[Alison]

Another incredibly hard act to follow.

Did you mean to include Stephen Cleobury, DracoM ?

[DracoM]

Of course.

[DracoM]

The selection committee at Kings need look no further than this forum for a veritable wealth of brilliant candidates. The extraordinary critical commentaries, profound observations, razor-sharp aperçus and keen insights that rush from this forum speak of the highest levels of musical accomplishment. This site is a rich fount of wisdom and advice, such that cathedral musicians thirst ever more eagerly for the next wondrous outpouring.

Is this your first post to the Forum? If so, welcome.

[DracoM]

Did you mean to include Stephen Cleobury, DracoM ?

Of course.

[Vox Humana]

The selection committee at Kings need look no further than this forum for a veritable wealth of brilliant candidates. The extraordinary critical commentaries, profound observations, razor-sharp aperçus and keen insights that rush from this forum speak of the highest levels of musical accomplishment. This site is a rich fount of wisdom and advice, such that cathedral musicians thirst ever more eagerly for the next wondrous outpouring.

Welcome. I don't think anyone who posts here expects to be taken seriously, so I hope you don't either.

[ocarina]

Armchair Pundit: superb.

I can think of some good interview questions.

1. When choosing music for 9 lessons and carols do you:
A) write your own descant
B) use one of Cleobury’s
C) revert to Willcocks for everything

2) Should girls be allowed in chapel?

[ardcarp]

Q. How many Cambridge Fellows does it take to change a light bulb?
A. Change ????***!!!