Music at St Chads
David Leeke,
Organist and
Director of MusicThe quality of music at St Chad’s has been widely acknowledged for many years and several previous Organists and Directors of Music have been well-known figures. Perhaps most significant was the late Sam Baker, a nationally renowned choir trainer and extemporiser. It was he who taught our current Organist and Director of Music, David Leeke as a chorister at St Chad’s in the 1970s. More recently, Dr Roger Allen, now a senior member of the music staff at Oxford University held the post here.
Please use the following links for up-to-date information on the musical life of St Chad’s:
the (monthly) Music Notes
the (termly) ‘Music, Services and Events’ booklet (coming shortly)
the programme of Friday lunchtime concerts (Concerts in the Round)
Also please refer to the two other music pages on this website: the CHOIRS and the CONCERTS & FESTIVAL pages mentioned below.
The church provides young singers with a unique musical education and gives adults of all abilities the opportunity to sing the finest works of the sacred choral repertoire within a liturgical context. In addition to the weekly choral schedule, the Adult Choir, Girls’ Choir, Junior Choir and Chamber Choir (Darwin Voices) give regular concerts throughout the year, tour and broadcast. Strong links exist between the music department and local schools. Please visit the CHOIRS page on this website for extensive information on all choir activities at St Chad’s.
The organ was built by Norman and Beard in 1904 and has been restored by Nicholson and Co in 1963 and Harrison and Harrison in 1985. It will be significantly renovated and enhanced by Harrison and Harrison in 2011. It is a large three-manual instrument and is the most ‘user-friendly’ instrument in the area.
The musical life of St Chad’s is led by the Organist and Director of Music, David Leeke. He and his team direct the church’s choirs and are responsible for the annual programme of special services and concerts as well as St Chad’s annual Music Festival. He is assisted by Richard Walker, Sub-Organist and Assistant Director of Music, and Kathryn Burningham who directs the Girls’ Choir. Please visit the CONCERTS page on this website for extensive information about current concerts and information about our annual Music Festival.
For information on all matters musical at St Chad’s, please contact the Organist and Director of Music,
David Leeke
Tel 01743 289301
1 St Chad’s Terrace
Shrewsbury SY1 1JL
Email – davidleeke@stchadschurchshrewsbury.com