John Wright
John Wright has lived in Cheltenham since 1982, and became the conductor of Charlton Kings Choral Society in 1984. Under his leadership the choir have
presented innovative programmes, including a commissioned work for the Millennium from the
composer Ian Venables, and the rarely performed Morning Heroes by Sir Arthur Bliss.
He has also taken them on tours to France, Germany and Scandinavia. John recently composed
a new work In Praise of Earth's Beauty which was
premiered at the choir's Autumn 2004 concert.
John studied music at Trinity Hall, Cambridge (where he was organ scholar) and the Royal Academy of Music. Since first moving to Gloucestershire in 1982 he has identified himself with a wide range of local music activities. Having pursued much of his career as a teacher, he was for eight years Assistant Director of Music at The Cheltenham Ladies' College. He is now a freelance musician, organist of St Peter's Church, Leckhampton, Cheltenham, an examiner for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, and a private teacher.
As an organist John has given recitals and accompanied choirs in many cathedrals and churches throughout the country, and has also given recitals in Sweden. In the summer of 2003 he represented Cheltenham as a recitalist in the 4th International Organ Festival in the twin town of Sochi in Russia. He appears frequently as a piano accompanist. Several of his choral compositions have been published by Animus Music. John has also appeared as a guest conductor with Cheltenham Chamber Orchestra.
John is newsletter editor of the Arthur Bliss Society, as well as working closely with the Holst Birthplace Museum to promote the music of Gustav Holst.
In 2003 he received two awards from Cheltenham Arts Council in recognition of his contribution to music in Gloucestershire.
John can be contacted personally via email.