CIMCF Welcomes New Vice President

Peter Davies

Vice President Appointment

CIMCF is delighted to announce that Peter Davies has accepted an invitation to become Vice President for one of the most unique festivals of its kind.

Introduction - Gareth Churcher, CIMCF Festival Artistic Director

As we approach the 10th biennial Cornwall International Male Choral Festival I am delighted to announce that joining our esteemed Board and joining the ranks of our other highly respected Vice Presidents is previous Festival Director, Peter Davies.

Peter brings a wealth of expertise, at strategic level, due to his knowledge of CIMCF, wider understanding of Choral music and I am extremely excited and honoured to be working with him as we fast approach the 2021 CIMCF.

About Peter Davies

Peter Davies is a director, composer, organist, writer and teacher and has directed a wide variety of choirs for over 30 years. He has directed Huntingdon Male Voice Choir for over 20 years and was for 25 years Organist and Choirmaster of a parish in Huntingdonshire developing and maintaining a large choir.

Peter has been mentored by many of the world’s leading international choral directors, having been an active member of the Association of British Choral Directors for 25 years. Peter is also a member of the British Voice Association. He has written many original pieces and arrangements for choirs (published by Banks Music Publications and Alan Simmons Music), a learned chapter on male singing in the UK (pub. Springer – Perspectives on Males and Singing) and several articles on singing and the benefits to health.

Peter retired as Festival Director of the Cornwall International Male Choral Festival in 2015, having directed the previous four festivals bringing together and working with choirs from across the world. He founded and directed 45 strong community choir Sawtry Chorale for 18 years and has also directed other SATB and youth choirs. He is currently also Director of Music at St Guthlac’s Church, Market Deeping.

Peter has wide experience of adjudicating choral competitions internationally (as well as successfully preparing choirs for competitions) and has frequently been asked to advise on many of the intricacies involved when changes to members of a choir’s musical team prove necessary.

Peter on his appointment 

When asked about his appointment as Vice President of the Festival, Peter stated that he is honoured, humbled, proud and delighted. 

‘The Festival was an absolutely huge part of my life for almost ten years. It gave me opportunities I’d never imagined possible. It enabled me to commission new and exciting music for both traditional male and, newer, Cambiata repertoire. And, I was able, through the hard work of a dedicated team and many other volunteers to follow on and develop Roy Wales’ vision for the Festival, ensuring that it became the largest of its kind in the world. Cornwall, the Festival and all the people involved have a very special place in my heart. I’m very proud to not only continue as a Patron but to accept the honour of being appointed a Vice President. I simply wish it wasn’t all over 300 miles from where I live!’

A word from the Festival Chairman - Bruce Taylor

 "As a previous Festival Director, Pete Davies gave us total commitment for nearly ten years and the Board of Directors wanted this to be recognised and so we were absolutely delighted when Pete accepted our invitation to become a Vice President. He now joins an illustrious list of Vice Presidents and we know that his experience and enthusiasm will once again be a fantastic asset to the Festival".

For more details about the Festival and if you would like information on how to take part or support us in any way, please visit our website https://www.cimcf.uk/