Farewell Matthew!

September 7: The choir said farewell to its outstanding music director Matthew Quinn on Thursday.  Matthew, who joined CMVC two years ago, is leaving to take up a new post as chorus director of the English National Opera.

Matthew with choir photo and choir chair Kim (photo JWT)

In his two years with the choir, Matthew brought radical improvements in its singing technique and produced concert performances that won acclaim for their energy, dynamics and emotional expression. 

At a moving ceremony at the choir’s first rehearsal of the new season, Matthew was presented with a red CMVC hoodie and a framed photograph of the entire choir.

Matthew told the choir that he was sad to be leaving and proud of the high standards they had achieved together.    Visiting musicians had praised the choir’s musicality, commitment and "infectious fun" .  Being with the choir enabled him to recharge his batteries and the past two years had been "an absolute privilege". 

Matthew conducts at his last CMVC rehearsal

Choir chair Kim Ormond, who made the presentation to Matthew, said that he had “lifted the choir to a new level”. The choir was delighted to see Matthew take his latest "step to stardom".   The choir was sad to see him leave but hoped it was "not farewell but au revoir".

Matthew will be replaced by Andrew Moore, his current deputy, who like Matthew is from Northern Ireland.   Andrew’s first rehearsal as MD is on September 12 and the first public performance he will conduct is at Southwark Cathedral on September 21.