Ashford Choral Society, founded in 1857, is probably the oldest choral society in Kent. Mark Deller, its conductor for the past 50 years, retires at the end of the season and the Society is considering applications for his successor, to start in September 2019.
The Society, with 120 members, meets on Tuesday evenings from September to early May for weekly rehearsals 7.30-9.15pm, and traditionally gives three/four concerts each season. Two of these are given with a fully professional orchestra and are held in the Colyer-Fergusson Concert Hall at the University of Kent in Canterbury; the other two in Wye and Ashford parish churches are performed with organ accompaniment. The Society is fortunate in having an excellent, professional accompanist who has indicated willingness to continue in post.
Major works recently performed include: Bach Mass in B Minor and Saint John Passion, Vaughan Williams A Sea Symphony, Tippett A Child of Our Time, Elgar The Dream of Gerontius, The Music Makers and The Spirit of England, Walton Belshazzar's Feast and Mendelssohn's Elijah. The Society is working this season on Bach's Christmas Oratorio, Britten A Ceremony of Carols and Rejoice in the Lamb, and Mozart and Verdi's Requiems.
Applicants will be expected to have experience in working with keen amateur singers, and conducting large scale works with orchestra. Fees for rehearsal and concerts are negotiable, based on current rates, but will depend on the relative experience of applicants.
Anyone wishing to apply should write to the Chairman Alan Paterson, Sutton End, 65c Oxenturn Road, Wye, Kent TN25 5AY or email enclosing a full CV.
