A New Music Director for Sydney Chamber Choir

Australia’s most admired conductor and respected musical educator, Richard Gill, has been announced as the incoming Musical Director of the Sydney Chamber Choir. Richard will take over from Paul Stanhope who was recently appointed as Artistic Chair of the Australia Ensemble.

Richard Gill has been the Patron of the choir since 2009 and is guest conductor for the first concert of their 2014 season on Saturday April 12th at City Recital Hall, Angel Place. “I’m delighted to step into such an important role with a choir that I love and admire,” says Richard. “Sydney Chamber Choir has a great history of performing luminous renaissance masterpieces along with the unbridled energy of contemporary Australian works. Their musicianship is outstanding and their sound sublime.”

Richard paid tribute to Paul Stanhope’s leadership saying, ”Paul’s flair for programming is unique. He combines sounds, styles, textures and themes that others simply wouldn’t think to. He has fostered some wonderful musical collaborations and showed an extraordinary commitment to airing new Australian works.”

“Under his leadership Sydney Chamber Choir has developed an enviable reputation as a group that delivers inspiring performances and takes its audience on a stimulating musical journey with each and every concert.”

Paul, who has been Musical Director since 2006, will deliver the 2014 and 2015 programs. The 2014 program continues his trademark approach of blending the traditions of chamber choir music with a contemporary twist. The program commences in April with Fauré and Stravinsky and concludes in September with Bjørk. 

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with Sydney Chamber Choir over the last decade” says Paul Stanhope. “The choir has gone from strength to strength and now enters into an exciting new chapter with Richard Gill. I look forward to some fascinating musical journeys in my last season.”