50 Years A Conductor - Beat That!

Colin was only 27 when he took over the baton in 1974 from his father who had been the previous conductor of the choir. Colin's formal musical training had taken place at Trinity College London where he studied organ.

This remarkable achievement of 50 years has involved directing some 150 concerts, 1,500 rehearsals and many hours organising orchestral parts and the selection of top professional soloists, whilst at the same time pursuing a successful career and raising a family of four children with his wife, Jane.

Rob Johnston, Co-Director and Choral Manager of the BBC Singers said: “It’s staggering to think that one person would have the dedication, stamina and total commitment of running one choir for 50 years! To have done so with such energy, passion and joviality is testament to Colin’s ability to inspire generations of singers over so many decades”.Chairman, Rob Allnutt, agrees. “At rehearsals, Colin’s ability to mix good humour with precision, discipline and encouragement brings much love and respect from the choir. No matter how demanding the work, we always feel in very safe hands”.Colin admits, "It has been a real privilege for me to have been conducting Tring Choral Society for the last 50 years.

"I have had the great pleasure of working with an excellent choir, orchestra and professional soloists on a broad range of repertoire including most of the established choral masterpieces and a number of newly commissioned works.

"I am particularly grateful for the loyalty and commitment shown by so many singers and the help and support freely given to me along the way”.Tring Choral Society is performing 'Choral Classics', a selection of some of Colin’s favourite pieces at Tring Church on Saturday 6th July 2024 at 7.30pm.