OUR MUSICIANS

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Stanmore Choral Society is led musically by two professional musicians:

Alexander Turner – Musical Director

Alexander Turner has been Musical Director of Stanmore Choral Society since April 2022. He combines this with the role of Director of Music at All Saints’, Putney Common, where he runs the children’s and adults’ choirs, and directs the choral scholars in weekly services. He began his musical career as a chorister at Southwell Minster, and has since held positions in the choirs of Norwich Cathedral and New College, Oxford.

As a countertenor, Alex has appeared with the Sixteen, Siglo de Pro and Sestina in Ireland, and continues to sing with the choirs of Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s and Westminster Cathedrals. He has performed across the country as a soloist, including with the Choir of New College Oxford at Wigmore Hall.

Alex’s conducting began in earnest at Royal Holloway, University of London. He directed a number of university ensembles, and assisted with the Chapel Choir. He studied with Rupert Gough, and participated in masterclasses with Sarah Tenant-Flowers and Jamie Burton before going on to gain a prize-winning First Class degree with a Choral Scholarship. He is currently studying for a Masters degree in conducting at the Royal Academy of Music, generously supported by the Academy, and the Royal College of Organists.

James Mooney-Dutton – Assistant Musical Director & Accompanist

James Mooney-Dutton was educated at the Royal College of Music where he studied with Margaret Phillips and as a Music Scholar at Harrow School. He has held organ scholarships at Norwich Cathedral and the Royal Parish Church of St Martin-in-the-Fields. He began his musical education as a chorister at Westminster Abbey where he sang at the funeral of the late Diana, Princess of Wales. James has also broadcast live on BBC Radios 3 and 4 as well as appearing on Songs of Praise.

 As a recitalist James has performed in many venues in the UK and abroad such as St James’s Cathedral Toronto, Magdalen College Oxford, St Martin-in-the-Fields, Norwich Cathedral, Lincoln Cathedral, St Andrew’s Hall Norwich, Queen’s College Oxford and as well as performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He has strong musical associations with Canada and regularly travels there to perform.

 James is active as a freelance church musician, accompanist and choral director; working regularly with a variety of individuals and ensembles, and is accompanist to Stanmore, Northwood and Fakenham Choral Societies, as well as having worked recently with Ramsey Choral Society

 James was for 11 years Director of Music at St Lawrence, Eastcote and since September 2017 has been Director of Music at St James’s Church, Bushey. When not engaged in all things musical James can be found spending time with his family, walking his dogs and managing, with his wife, Laura, their family businesses – James Funeral Service in Harrow and Wisbech Funeral Service in Cambridgeshire.