Change on the podium for Newcastle Choral Society
Tim Cranfield, director of music at St Andrew’s Church, Newcastle, is to be the new musical director of Newcastle Choral Society.
Charmian Marshall, who recently returned as chair of the society after a two-year break, said she and the selection panel were delighted with the appointment.
A four-month period had been allocated to find a suitable replacement for Mark Anyan involving a “robust interview and trial rehearsal process”.
Says Charmian: “Coincidentally, John Healy, the founder of Newcastle Choral Society (then the St Andrew’s Singers), held a similar role at St Andrew’s where he was also organist from 1954.”
Tim, a trombonist, also works part time as music administrator at Newcastle Cathedral and sings bass in the cathedral choir.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to have been offered the role and can’t wait to get started,” he said.
He will take up the role in March, replacing Mark Anyan who has been musical director since 2007.
Mark’s swansong in that capacity will be the concert at Newcastle Civic Centre on February 22, featuring Faure’s Requiem and Rutter’s Magnificat.
“We’ll miss Mark at the helm after so many years, but we look back with pride at what we have achieved during this period,” says Charmian.
“There have been so many highlights and wonderful performances in different and unique venues including The Glasshouse (formerly Sage Gateshead).
“A particular personal highlight for Mark, as a rugby fan, was the choir performing the national anthems in five native tongues at three televised matches during the Rugby World Cup 2015 at St James’ Park. What a blast that was!”
Before all this, though, is the December 15 concert at Trinity Church, Gosforth, featuring The Manchester Carols and festive favourites.