The Fourth Choir appoints music director

London-based LGBT+ chamber choir, the Fourth Choir, has announced the appointment of conductor, singer, composer and arranger Jamie Powe to the role of music director. Powe will progress to the role in September from the position of guest conductor which he held during last year’s winter season.

Powe’s appointment follows a two-year selection process, during which the choir’s trustees and singers were inspired by his musicality, his commitment to promoting music by underrepresented composers and his resolute allyship to the LGBT+ community. Powe’s first concert in his new role will be an anniversary concert celebrating the choir’s 10-year anniversary in November.

Powe said: ‘I am thrilled to be appointed as music director of this wonderful choir. The choir has gone from strength to strength in its first 10 years and I'm hugely excited to help the choir achieve its goals in its second decade and ensure that we have an innovative and lasting impact on the choral world together.’

Having studied a choral conducting MA at the Royal Academy of Music, Powe is currently musical director of Laurelin Voices, The Arcadian Singers, Putney Choral Society and The Aubrey Singers as well as being associate director of Ware Choral Society. His experience also includes two years as director of the Chapel Choir of Regent's Park College, Oxford as well as work with Sing for Pleasure, and with Genesis Sixteen as conducting scholar.

With a repertoire spanning early music, contemporary choral masterpieces and new works, the Fourth Choir’s was formed in September 2013 with the aim of representing LGBT+ talent within the UK’s classical music sector. The choir will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a programme including the premiere of two new commissions at the Barbican’s Milton Court on 4 November.