Andrew Daldorph – Musical Director

Andrew is an organist, harpsichordist, pianist, composer and conductor, He frequently gives recitals and has played for concerts and services in concert halls and cathedrals across the SW and beyond.  He has been conductor of Exeter Chamber Choir and the East Devon Choral Society since 2003.

Andrew graduated with a first class honours degree from the University of Southampton in 1993. He retains his links with the University by returning twice a year to play for their degree ceremonies.

After graduation he took up the post of organ scholar at Guildford Cathedral and subsequently gained Fellowship of the Royal College of Organists. He took lessons from some of the world’s most eminent organists, including Peter Hurford, David Hill and Dame Gillian Weir, and, on the harpsichord, he studied with Robert Woolley.

Andrew now teaches piano, organ and singing both privately and at Exeter School. A new generation of youngsters are able to benefit from his experience and a number of his pupils have gone on to be awarded Choral or Organ Scholarships at Oxbridge.

Andrew is a prolific arranger and composer of original music.  Exeter Chamber Choir and East Devon Choral Society joined forces for the performance of Andrew’s oratorio ‘Songs of Hope and Creation’ under his direction in Exeter Cathedral in 2009.  This concert won a national award in a competition organised by PRS for Music for the best recording of a live performance by an amateur choir.

The choirs performed together again in Exeter Cathedral in October 2013 for a performance of Andrew’s ‘ Mass for Life’ and his collection of ‘Jazz Psalms’ , supported by AJ’s Big Band, a performance which received a standing ovation.

His compositional skills are not confined to major works – he has also created innovative carols and songs – both sacred and secular.

Notable performances with Exeter Chamber Choir have included Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, St John Passion, the B Minor Mass, and the Christmas Oratorio, Mozart’s Mass in C Minor and Requiem, Handel’s Dixit Dominus and Tallis’ Spem in Alium.

With EDCS recent notable concerts have been The Armed Man, Verdi’s Requiem, Bach’s Magnificat, Brahms’ Requiem and Orff’s Carmina Burana

Andrew demonstrates his versatility, and the breadth of his musical interest, by playing jazz piano with his trio at functions across the UK and abroad.

Andrew’s website is: www.andrewdaldorph.co.uk