Sir George Dyson (1883–1964) is one of the most influential figures in twentieth-century British music. Through his work as a composer, conductor, educationist and administrator at – amongst others – Winchester College, the Royal College of Music, the National Federation of Music Societies and the Three Choirs Festival, Dyson made an exceptional contribution both to professional and to amateur music-making in this country.
The Canterbury Pilgrims was written in 1931 for the tenth Winchester Festival, and became a favourite among British choirs for several decades. Dyson brings Chaucer’s panorama of English characters to life with vigour, heroism, humour and a deep sympathy. This unjustly neglected masterpiece was last heard in Petersfield in 1947.
Paul Spicer is a leading expert on Dyson, having published a full-length study of his life and music in 2014. Paul is one of today’s most distinguished choral conductors and is in great demand for his inspirational choral workshops. He conducts the Birmingham Bach Choir, is founder-director of the acclaimed Finzi Singers, and is Professor of Choral Conducting at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. He has been Resident Conductor at Petersfield Musical Festival since 2005.
The 2019 Petersfield Musical Festival runs from 15 to 23 March, with an exciting programme of concerts, and a wide range of performers and music - including choral, orchestral, traditional Greek music, solo instrumental, and jazz.
Please consider supporting the Petersfield Musical Festival by becoming a Friend of the Festival. Besides helping the Festival, Friends enjoy priority booking and a voucher towards Festival tickets*, and are entitled to vote at our AGM. Further information can be found on the festival's website.
[*if you subscribe £50 or more]