Ahead of their conductor’s final performance tomorrow, PETER GILLMAN looks at the changing of the guard at one of Croydon’s largest musical organisations
Musical leader: David Gibson has been the Croydon Philharmonic Choir’s director since last century
The Croydon Philharmonic Choir has an historic event in prospect tomorrow.
Its summer concert at St Mark’s in Purley will mark the final appearance of its music director and conductor, David Gibson.
Gibson has been at its helm for 27 years. “I’ve done a fair stint,” he told the choir at his last rehearsal on Tuesday, when he was presented with a framed collection of the programmes for many of the 100-plus concerts he has conducted. “It’s probably time for somebody else to have a go.”
Gibson is only the fourth music director in the Croydon Philharmonic Choir’s 112-year existence.
During his tenure, the choir has regularly appeared at the Fairfield Halls, as well as performing at the Royal Albert Hall, and at Cadogan Hall on the occasion of its centenary. Highlights include its performance of Carmina Burana with the London Mozart Players in 2022, and singing the Mozart and Verdi Requiems from memory.
Keeping with the programme: Gibson received his framed memorabilia at Tuesday’s rehearsal
Gibson, at times a flamboyant conductor, was widely respected for his enthusiasm, ambition and technical prowess, coupled with deep knowledge of choral music across the centuries, from Purcell to Karl Jenkins. He began conducting choirs 50 years ago and, until recently, was music director of three other choirs, as well as the Croydon Philharmonic.
In his remarks to the choir this week, he talked of anxieties over the future of classical music, including threats to the BBC’s output. “I don’t want to sound despondent, because it’s people like you who will keep things going, because you are singing for pleasure, you are singing out of enthusiasm for doing it and that is very much the future of music.”
Tomorrow’s concert will feature a wide selection of pieces, with the choir’s distinguished president, Crispian Steele-Perkins on trumpet and Ian le Grice and Eleanor Meynell on piano.
The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets (adults £20, under-16s £5) will be on sale on the door.
Waiting in the wings is Gibson’s successor, Andrew Moore, who was appointed last month. Moore conducted the choir during its January-April season, and will begin taking rehearsals in September.
Moore said he found his previous spell conducting the choir “incredibly fulfilling” and felt “privileged” to be taking over. “Choral music and big choirs such as the Croydon Philharmonic can offer a real sense of belonging and stand as important pillars of high-quality music-making and community,” he said.
Moore is already music director and conductor of another leading local group, the Croydon Male Voice Choir, a position he has held since 2024. He succeeded Matthew Quinn, who was in post for two years before joining the English National Opera as a choral director.
“It is a delight, and a surprise for someone from Northern Ireland, to find that I am now conducting two wonderful choirs in Croydon,” Moore said.
At the double: Andrew Moore is to be conductor for two of Croydon’s biggest choirs. Pic: Belinda Lawley
“I was not initially familiar with the area but I have now come to know it better through my work and interacting with the wonderful members of each choir. I am excited to see where we can take choral music with both ensembles and continue to put it on the map for all who love to sing.”
Moore’s first concert for the Croydon Philharmonic Choir will be at the Fairfield Halls on Saturday December 19, when it is performing Handel’s Messiah, along with the London Mozart Players.
Meanwhile, Moore will be conducting one of the highlights of the Male Voice Choir’s year, its Summer and Patrons’ Concert, at St Mildred’s Church, Addiscombe, on Saturday July 18. It will be made more special by the appearance of the renowned South Wales choir Côr y Gyrlais.
The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets (£15) will be on sale on the door.
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