Music maestro Gareth Churcher has been announced as the new artistic director to lead Cornwall’s International Male Voice Choral Festival (CIMCF) to its next event in 2019.
Gareth takes over from Rob Elliott whose 2017 event saw 2,000 singers from 60 choirs taking part in 50 events in 40 venues across Cornwall.
Gareth is a Cornish Bard who was awarded the Trelawny Plate for outstanding services to Cornwall.
He has worked to ensure the future of music teaching for Cornwall’s young people – devising a new model Cornwall Music Service Trust when budget cuts saw the demise of Cornwall Council’s own service. The not-for-profit trust, of which Gareth is founding head of service, now employs 120 music teachers and therapists and delivers more than 1,000 hours of music education per week to students in schools and other educational establishments.
He is also director of music for many ensembles.
‘Gareth gets his energy from a boundless passion for music,’ said CIMCF chairman Bruce Taylor, ‘and we feel honoured that he is taking the helm of our fantastic international festival alongside his many musical commitments – he is the perfect fit for the role.’
Gareth and his team are planning for the ninth biennial Cornwall International Male Choral Festival – with choirs from across the world already signed up for the event which will run from May 2 to May 6 next year.
Any choirs from home or abroad wishing to take part should contact Gareth at [email protected] or call him on 07584 296961.