The Dean and Chapter is pleased to announce that Andrew Downton has been appointed to the Cathedral’s thriving music team in the role of Singing Development Leader. Andrew’s duties will include leading and developing the hugely successful Chorister Outreach Programme, which, in partnership with the Devon and Torbay Music Education Hub has extended performance opportunities and training to every primary school in the county since its inception in 2007.
Succeeding Rachel Smith, who retires this summer, Andrew also takes over the leadership of the Devon County Junior Choir and Schola Exe, the Cathedral’s acclaimed Saturday morning choirs for children and young adults. Andrew will also serve as vocal coach to the Cathedral’s forty boy and girl choristers, who lead the singing at the Cathedral’s daily service of Choral Evensong.
Director of Music, Timothy Noon, said, “We are delighted to appoint Andrew to the key role at this crucial moment as we come out of a difficult and restricted time. Andrew is a very talented musician with a wide range of skills and a very friendly and approachable manner. His vision will build on the successes of the past and develop new opportunities for music making both at the Cathedral and around the county.”
Andrew Downton said, “Having had a long but informal association with the Cathedral, I am thrilled to become a permanent member of the team, and I am looking forward to getting stuck in as singing opportunities open up again post-lockdown.”
Andrew Downton takes up his post from 1 September.