The Dartington Community Choir
Since the purchase of the Dartington Hall Estate in 1925 by Leonard and Dorothy Elmhirst, the Arts have been an integral part of its activities. The founder Trustees welcomed and encouraged participation by the local community
In 1942 when Imogen Holst was invited to join the staff at Dartington to train young music students, she established both an orchestra and a choir to which all the community were welcome. Dartington College of Arts continued this tradition with local participation in the college choir until 1982 when in the autumn of that year a new choir was formed known as the Dartington Community Choir. Michael Lane (a former member of the College staff) was invited to become the musical director and conductor. Membership was to be non-auditioned and open to all who wished to participate in choral singing.
With the kind permission of the Dartington Trustees the Dartington Community Choir were able to use the venue vacated by the previous choir. To this day the choir are privileged to rehearse and hold concerts in the magnificent 15th Century Great Hall at Dartington.
Michael Lane remained with the Choir, building its repertoire and reputation until he retired in 1997. John Railton, who succeeded him as the musical director and conductor, has continued this excellent tradition. John retired in May 2009 during his 80th birthday year after directing and conducting the Choir for the last time for the performance of Beethoven's Missa Solemnis. From September 2009 Jonathan Watts has taken over as the musical director and conductor after having been the Choir accompanist for three years.
Jonathan Watts - Musical Director