Bristol: new director for Clifton Cathedral choir

The Community of Clifton Cathedral are welcoming John Gibbons as Choral Director of the Cathedral Choir. His return, after an absence of ten years, heralds exciting times ahead for choral music at the Cathedral.

John, organist at the Cathedral during the early 1990s, has since established himself as one of the leading opera and orchestral conductors of his generation. He has recorded with both the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Philharmonia, and conducted the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for the first Classic FM "Hall of Fame' concert at the Royal Albert Hall. He has also conducted the RPO on numerous other occasions including acclaimed opera productions for Opera Holland Park.

Speaking of his appointment John said: "I am thrilled to be returning to Clifton to share in the life of the Parish and the work of the Music Service. The Cathedral has always inspired me with its fabulous acoustic, one of Europe's quality organs, and a community that responds so positively to the wide variety of music presented there. Some of the most inspired music ever written owes its existence to faith and it is important to present this music in its true context so that people can have the opportunity to experience the power of such music. I know how well the musicians work with the priests and the community and it is a pleasure to work in such a positive atmosphere."

John will also be conducting the ESO in a performance of Mahler's Second Symphony 'The Resurrection' in Clifton Cathedral on Saturday 29th November.

Singers interested in becoming a member of the Cathedral Choir should contact John either by ringing 0117 946 7456 or by emailing him at CathedralMusic@CliftonDiocese.com.