Norwich Philharmonic welcomes new choral conductor

Ashley Grote will debut in his new role at Norwich Cathedral on Saturday, November 9.

He will lead the Norwich Philharmonic Society in a performance of Haydn's oratorio The Creation.

The concert marks the opening of the philharmonic’s new season.

Mr Grote, who is also the master of music at Norwich Cathedral, has had a distinguished career.

He previously held positions at Gloucester Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and Tonbridge School.

Ashley Grote debuts as the Norwich Philharmonic's new choral conductor (Image: Paul Hurst)

Mr Grote started his musical journey as a chorister at King’s College, Cambridge.

He later became an organ scholar at St George’s Cathedral, Cape Town, before returning to King’s College.

In recent years, he has worked with the BBC Singers as both an accompanist and conductor.

As an organist, Mr Grote has performed across the UK, USA, and Europe, and has received critical acclaim for his three solo recordings.

He takes over the role of choral conductor from David Dunnett, who held the position for 30 years.

Mr Dunnett, like Mr Grote, was also a former master of music at Norwich Cathedral.

The Norwich Philharmonic's concert will also feature three soloists: soprano Katherine Crompton, tenor David De Winter, and bass Edward Grint.

Haydn's The Creation, inspired by the oratorios of Handel, is one of his largest-scale works and a favourite in the choral repertoire.

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The concert starts at 7.30pm, with tickets ranging from £15 to £30.

Discounts are available for those under 26.

Tickets can be purchased online at ticketsource.co.uk/norwichphil or by calling 0333 666 3366.

The concert promises to be a spectacular start to the Norwich Philharmonic's new season, with Haydn's The Creation showcasing the chorus and orchestra.

The arrival of Mr Grote marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the long and distinguished history of the Norwich Philharmonic.