ABOUT THE CHOIR
The Hampshire market town of Andover has a long history of choral singing. The original Andover Choral Society was formed in 1866 to perform Handel’s Messiah accompanied by piano and harmonium. Local newspaper archives show details of a concert in 1887 at which Haydn’s Creation was performed. In the late 1920’s Adrian Boult conducted 260 voices in the local Drill Hall and a music festival was set up in 1927, supported by both Sir Adrian Boult and Sir Malcolm Sargent.
The present Andover Choral Society was inaugurated in 1971 to promote choral singing for all. At least two concerts a year are presented in St Mary’s Church, Andover, at which members are joined by singers and instrumentalists of the highest calibre. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings at Rookwood School, Andover, and the society is always happy to welcome new members.
MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Craig Lawton is a lively and enthusiastic conductor working in the South of England. He will take over as MD on 29 Jan 2025.
Working with a diverse range and size of ensembles has allowed Craig to develop a large repertoire. Empathising with the importance and difficulty in getting solo work with ensembles, Craig seeks to give musicians an opportunity where he can, in particular giving young people concerto opportunities with the Winchester Chamber Orchestra.
2022 saw Craig's Royal Albert Hall debut as part of the Teenage Cancer Trust series supporting British band DON BROCO. Craig made his professional conducting debut in Europe with the Ostfold Symphony Orchestra in Norway. He continues to enjoy podium time in Europe most recently in Milan with the Charity Symphony Orchestra.
Studying organ with Sarah Baldock at the University of Southampton, Craig has remained an active organist, appearing as soloist in Poulenc’s Concerto in G minor and Saint-Saens’ Organ Symphony. He continues to develop his skills with Jason Lai, and in Berlin with Prof. Colin Metters (RAM). He currently holds positions with the Romsey Sinfonietta, Winchester Chamber Orchestra, Conchord Singers, Charity Symphony Orchestra and Christ Church Freemantle.
Craig makes time for charitable music projects. His passion for fundraising through music is shared with friend and colleague Paul Ingram. They have undertaken three epic musical marathons for Comic Relief in Southampton ; Haydathon (2009) and Beethovathon (2015); Orchestral Decathlon (2017). The 2017 project raised over £5,000. Off the podium, Craig is a member of CAMRA, an avid film fan and enjoys walking.
ACCOMPANIST
Hannah Sandu will take over as accompanist on 29 January having worked with the choir a number of times.
COMMITTEE
Chairman: Sue Woodley
Secretary & Registrar: Frances Lynn
Treasurer: Helen Mason-Belshaw
Patrons Secretary: Graham Platford
Social Secretary: Bernard Sutton
Librarian: Sandra Cramp
Publicity: Mark Johnson-Ferguson
Soprano Rep: Paula Degg
Alto Rep: Sue Simmonds
Tenor and Bass Rep: Bernard Sutton
GOVERNANCE
The charity's object is " The study and practice of choral music in order to foster the public knowledge and appreciation of such music by means of public performance and to engage in any activities as shall further these ends."
The Society's rules are here (to follow).