Cantiones Chamber Choir is delighted to announce the appointment of Martin Bussey as Musical Director from January 2020 after Gerry Howe’s retirement at the end of this year. The choir was privileged to have applications for the post from four highly talented musicians but in the end the choice was unanimous.
Born in London, Martin was a Choral Scholar at King’s College, Cambridge where he studied composition with Robin Holloway and singing with John Carol Case, after which he studied singing at the Royal Northern College of Music with Nicholas Powell..
A truly exceptional musician, Martin brings with him a wealth of experience as a conductor, composer and educationalist. As a conductor he has directed the marvellous Chester Bach Singers for over 25 years. They are a well-known and much-admired chamber choir performing a wide musical repertoire, particularly praised for their performances of Bach and Handel. Clearly a glutton for choral music, Martin will continue to conduct Chester Bach Singers as well as undertake this new role with Cantiones. And if that wasn’t enough, Martin also directs The BBC Daily Service Singers.
As an educationalist, Martin taught at Chethams School from 1988-2013, is a vocal tutor at the University of Manchester and has just completed many years as an Independent Schools Inspector.
Martin is also an experienced and versatile composer with a varied catalogue of works. His interests include song, choral music for a variety of forces, and organ. A CD of Martin’s choral music sung by the London-based professional choir, Sonoro, directed by Neil Ferris, was released by Resonus Classics in November 2019, previous releases having been met with considerable critical acclaim.
Cantiones was sad to accept the resignation of its long-standing Musical Director of 18 years, Gerry Howe, who has helped the choir achieve some significant growth and success. The choir has always appreciated his supportive and encouraging approach; Cantiones’ Committee Chairman John Moore comments, “as well as being the longest serving, Gerry has been by far the easiest M.D. with whom to co-operate. He has always been willing to listen to suggestions from members of the choir who have musical experience, though quite rightly he makes the final decisions, which we all accept”. Gerry will remain within the Cantiones family as its rehearsal accompanist and will sing during concerts.
Do come along to Gerry’s farewell concert as Musical Director as he conducts the choir’s Christmas Concert on Saturday 21st December at 7:30pm at Christ Church. Tickets £10 (free for under 18s) available from Rowanthorn, Old Chapel Court, Oswestry 01691 238227