Music maestro Chris bows out on a high note

Chris Johnson will raise the baton for the final time at Oldham Choir’s concert on Saturday

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A well-known conductor will be handing over the baton when he takes his final concert with Oldham Choir on Saturday.

Chris Johnson, who has been the choir’s musical director since January, 2002, has seen it grow in numbers and success, until there is now a waiting list to join.

An important highlight came in September, 2007, when the choir led the singing in a service for Racial Justice Sunday broadcast on BBC Radio 4 from St Patrick’s Church, Oldham.

Oldham Choir is unique locally for concentrating mainly on unaccompanied singing, with a wide and varied repertoire, from Bach to the Beatles.

It has become well known for regular concerts at Gallery Oldham and Oldham Parish Church, and has also taken part three times in the Chronicle Festival of Carols

Chris has made many arrangements for the choir, especially spirituals, and he has included three of these in the concert at Gallery Oldham on Saturday.

He said: “I have had 81/2 fantastic years with the choir with many wonderful musical experiences, but I have decided that it is time for me to hand over to someone else.

“I am absolutely delighted that the next conductor will be Dr Eileen Bentley MBE who will need no introduction to music lovers in Oldham.

“Eileen retired last year after many years as an outstandingly successful Director of Oldham Music Centre.

“She has a national reputation as a choral director and I feel sure that under her guidance the choir will go from strength to strength.

“Eileen has kindly agreed that I can stay on and sing in the bass section so I will not be losing touch with the many friends I have made in the choir.”

The Gallery Oldham concert is free but all available tickets have been taken. For returned tickets please contact the Gallery on 0160 770 4653.