The Derwent Singers is an award-winning Derby-based chamber choir which has earned itself a distinguished reputation for performance of all musical genres, from the Renaissance to the present day. Around 25 strong, the choir performs several concerts per year in the East Midlands and regularly arranges "away fixtures", most recently in Masham, Paris, Ripon, Coventry and the Warwick Arts Festival.

As well as undertaking many "lighter" concerts, recent performances have included Bach's St John Passion, Britten's St Nicolas, Finzi's In Terra Pax, Vivaldi and Monteverdi with Emma Kirkby, Monteverdi Vespers with the English Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble and Orchestra of the Baroque, Bach's St Matthew Passion with Mark Wilde, Handel's Messiah, Scarlatti's Miserere, Bernstein's Chichester Psalms and Britten's Rejoice in the Lamb. Mass in Notre Dame was applauded by over two thousand people and drew particular praise from the clergy.

In March 2004 we were delighted to welcome Richard Roddis as Director of Music. Richard comes with a formidable reputation as both a choir director and singer so we look forward to many fine concerts in the future. Several young singers have also joined the choir recently and we are always keen to hear from potential new members; please contact us on membership@derwentsingers.org.uk for more information.

The choir maintains a mailing list and if you would like to be included on this and receive information regarding future concerts please contact the Publicity Secretary on mailing@derwentsingers.org.uk or fill out the form by clicking here.

_________________________

Richard Roddis is well-known throughout the East Midlands for his work with choirs.
His conducting experience stretches back more than a quarter of a century and, as a professional singer and a member of several top ensembles, he brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to choral conducting. Richard graduated in Music at Exeter Unviersity, where he held a Choral Scholarship at the Cathedral. He now combines a busy career as a singer, conductor and voice teacher.

Richard's first conducting appointment, in the 1980s, was with the award-winning Exeter University Singers. He also formed his own choir, the Richard Roddis Singers, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2004. He has broadcast on BBC and Independent Radio and Television, and toured both in the UK and abroad. In 1991 he was appointed Director of the Nottingham-based Sinfonia Chorale, where he has earned a reputation for challenging and innovative programming and demanding the highest performing standards. His reputation precedes him in Derby as conductor of Derby Bach Choir since 1999, recognised as one of the finest large choirs in the region. He also conducts the Sterndale Singers in Sheffield and appears as guest conductor with several other groups, and at day and weekend workshops.

As a solo tenor, Richard combines oratorio with recital work. He won joint First Prize for his Lieder singing in a national competition staged by the London Lieder Group in December 2001.

Richard also composes and arranges music for choirs. Several of his compositions and arrangements have been performed by the Derwent Singers, including Carolling Nowell and Deep River. The Derby Bach Choir gave the World Premiere of his large scale work Lauda Creatoris on the 4th April 2009. For more information please visit the website: http://laudacreatoris.wordpress.com/