THE Redland City Choir has appointed a new conductor with experienced musical director David Webster stepping into the role and signalling a fresh chapter for the long-standing community ensemble.
Mr Webster, 39, of Enoggera, said he was eager to explore new directions while working closely with members to discover “what the choir wants to be”.
Conducting community choirs is his main occupation, and this year he adds
Redland City Choir to an already impressive portfolio.
He also serves as conductor of the Bach Society of Queensland and the Blackstone-Ipswich Cambrian Choir senior choir.
“I fell into conducting and went from a back row bass to an acting conductor to a conductor,” Mr Webster said.
“That’s when I realised, I didn’t want this to be a hobby or a secondary job.
“I wanted this to be my job.”
Music and community choirs have long been part of his life.
His parents met through the Toowoomba Choral Society, and he grew up immersed in rehearsals and performances.
“I was that kid crawling under the chairs and later on sorting the music,” he said.
“I was doomed from birth.”
Mr Webster described community choirs as uniquely inclusive.
“Community choirs are particularly special because they foster a love of music for anyone with a willingness to come and be part of the group,” he said.
“I’m a strong believer in community choirs and the connections and love and strength that can be offered.
“This is an instrument that travels and is intimate to everyone.
“Everyone can do this and I encourage people to get in and have a go.”
He credits his father, a “phenomenal tenor” who could not read music, as an early inspiration.
“That’s what happens in choirs. You get people from all walks,” he said.
“I taught Dad how to read music as I learned how to read music.”
Mr Webster takes over following the stepping down of founding conductor Anita Taylor, marking what he described as a delicate transition period for the ensemble.
“This is a tricky stage for any choir, this transition from one conductor to another,” he said.
“To start with, we need to get to know one another and work together to create what we want to be.
“I want to see this choir develop as a group.
“Every choir has a life of its own. Who knows what is in store?”
He plans to offer audiences a varied repertoire spanning classical, orchestral, contemporary and musical theatre works.
“We want to create a fun program but give the audience good options to go to as well,” he said.
“We are not locked into current programming, but I am keen to foster our residency at Redland Performing Arts Centre and work with RPAC to find out its artistic needs so we can create the best program.”
Choir president Judy Butler welcomed the appointment, describing Mr Webster as warm and attuned to the realities of leading a community-based organisation.
“His ideas are certainly creative, focusing on our need to sing music that brings joy,” she said.
Beyond his conducting roles, Mr Webster has been a regular guest and assisting conductor with various choirs and is in demand as an adjudicator and workshop clinician.
He has held long tenures as musical director of the Queensland University Musical Society and Director of Music at Holy Trinity Anglican Church.
He also spent several years conducting the Emmanuel College Choir.
A regular performer himself, Mr Webster sings with Fusion Vocal Ensemble and the St Stephen’s Cathedral Choir and Schola.
The Redland City Choir rehearses from 7pm on Tuesdays at RPAC. New members are welcome.
