There will be a special celebration at the Danesborough Chorus summer concert on Saturday (July 1) to mark the 40th anniversary of Ian Smith’s appointment as musical director of one of the area’s leading choirs.
The occasion is being marked by a much-anticipated performance of Mendelssohn’s action-packed choral drama Elijah at Woburn Parish Church, from 7.15pm.
“We are delighted to congratulate and thank Ian for bringing the joy of music-making to hundreds – even thousands – of people, of all ages, throughout Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire” said choir chairman Jeremy Hopkinson.
“As head of Bedfordshire’s County Music service for many years, he encouraged school children to play instruments and celebrate their talents by performing in Fiddle Fiestas and Brass Bonanzas.
"And his enthusiasm and expertise as musical director and principal conductor of Bedford Choral Society and the Danesborough Chorus (with whom the Milton Keynes Chorale have shared a concert every year) has given encouragement and enjoyment to numerous local choral singers.”
Ian Smith is one of the leading and most sought-after conductors in the Bedford and Milton Keynes area.
Educated at York University and Queens’ College Cambridge, his wide-ranging career includes radio recordings and television appearances for BBC and ITV.
Until his recent retirement, he was director of music, head of expressive arts and assistant headteacher at Wootton Upper School, near Bedford.
Ian is currently working for the Professional Development department of the ABRSM (the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) delivering courses to teachers in England, Hong Kong and Singapore.
He is a Trustee of The Wavendon Allmusic Plan where he is also an active member of the Stables Theatre Board.
“We are brought together by our love of singing some of the greatest music ever written for voices, and Ian brings a tremendous energy and enthusiasm to the choir, together with a strong commitment to bring out the abilities of every member," said a spokesman for the chorus," said a spomesman for the chorus.
"The sheer sense of fun he communicates ensures we return again and again, trying to reach the high standards he expects in rehearsals and performances alike. Who knew that learning to sing well could be so enriching?”
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