Leith Hill Musical Festival
Bringing choirs together
for competitions and concerts in Dorking since 1905
Registered charity number 275176
The Festival's President since 2007, when he succeeded Sir David Willcocks, is the world-renowned composer John Rutter.
John Rutter studied at Clare College, Cambridge, where he wrote his first published compositions and conducted his first recording. His compositional career has embraced both large and small-scale choral works, orchestral and many other works.
From 1975 to 1979 he was Director of Music at Clare College, whose choir he directed in a number of broadcasts and recordings. In 2006, John was awarded the CBE in recognition of his services to music.
Of his association with LHMF, John says "My association with the LHMF is a source of great pleasure and pride to me - especially when I recall the very distinguished series of past presidents of the Society. Leith Hill represents a living tradition of music-making which draws strength from its past achievements and always has its sights set on the future too. Choral singing has always been at the heart of our community life in Britain, and it is inspiring to see Leith Hill keeping it there."
John is also a member of the Festival's Music Committee.