From our ‘Summer Music by Candlelight’ programme 2024

Sam grew up in Surrey and has been training choirs since the age of fourteen. He studied Music at Cambridge University, holding the Organ Scholarship at Queens’ College, and went on to achieve the Associateship, Fellowship and Choral Directing Diplomas of the Royal College of Organists in the space of one year, winning both of the major prizes in the last of these. He undertook further studies in Choral Directing in Uppsala (Sweden), and Paris.

Following graduation, he taught and examined for the Music Degree at Cambridge, and later held the post of Musician in Residence at King Edward VI Upper School, Bury St Edmunds. Between 2005 and 2022, he was Director of Music at Great St Mary’s, The University Church, Cambridge, latterly also holding the historic and prestigious office of University Organist. He also founded a choir for people with mental health problems, and his work with this group contributed to a research paper on singing and health at the University of Kent.

He now lives with his young family in Shropshire and in addition to his work with Ex Cathedra’s Academy of Vocal Music, he is Chorus Director with Buxton Musical Society, and accompanist and Assistant MD to Stafford Choral Society. Outside of music, his passions include walking, cooking, gardening, DIY and classic cars.

1. How long have you been a member of Ex Cathedra and why did you join?

I was delighted to join the Ex Cathedra family in February 2024 as Senior Choir Leader within the brilliant Academy of Vocal Music. I was drawn to Ex Cathedra through the integrity, commitment and beauty of its music-making, and the integration of education, research and innovation that underpins all its work. The Education and Participation team is so full of energy and talent, and it’s a real honour to be able to contribute to that.

2. What does a typical day look like for you?

At the moment, during the day, I’m a stay-at-home Dad to two beautiful and energetic boys, and much of my day is spent cooking, tidying, negotiating, chivvying and transporting, with a fair bit of DIY to do in the calmer moments. I try and make as much time as I can for listening, reading, and learning scores, and there’s always something on the stand, on the piano, and on the radio.

3. What’s a piece of repertoire you’ve performed or directed that you’d love to hear Ex Cathedra or AVM work on or perform?

I’m so impressed with the way Ex Cathedra, under Jeffrey’s direction, can assimilate so many different styles so authentically and beautifully. I’ve long been a fan of the lush twentieth-century French Choral sound world, and a particular favourite of mine is Daniel-Lesur’s Le Cantique de Cantiques of 1952, a work I first encountered in my student days.

I was lucky to attend state schools with excellent music departments, and, amongst other great projects, we learned and performed Vivaldi’s Gloria RV589 when I was a sixth-former. Exploring what was, for little me, a large-scale work, was a really exciting journey, and one I’m keen to continue to keep offering AVM going forward.

4. What’s your musical “guilty secret”?

Hmm… singing along to Children’s TV music, perhaps…? I love music of all kinds, and would happily immerse myself in it all day, every day. If I am guilty of anything, it’s sometimes turning the radio completely off for a few minutes to enjoy a tiny bit less sound in my often rather noisy house!