New Music Director for Salford Choral

Stuart Overington

Salford Choral Society is delighted to announce that accomplished conductor, vocal animateur and composer Stuart Overington will become its new Music Director in September 2027.

Stuart is the director of choirs at the Royal Northern College of Music, the Hallé Youth Choir and Chethams School of Music Chamber choir, alongside other national and regional roles and community choral work. He is known for his engaging, informative and inclusive style and works with a diverse range of ensembles.

He will take over from incumbent Tom Newall – a versatile choral and orchestral conductor who has led Salford Choral for 10 successful years and will leave at the end of the 2026/27 season to pursue new projects.

Mary Candleland, Chair of the Salford Choral committee, said: “Stuart is the perfect fit for Salford Choral – combining technical skill with the enthusiasm and personality that will inspire the choir to reach new heights.

“We have made the appointment early in Tom’s final season to ensure a smooth handover and planning of future seasons. We feel very lucky to be working with two such inspirational musical leaders.”

Stuart said: “I am really excited to be stepping into this role and hope I can continue that fantastic work Tom has done as MD. Salford Choral Society are already a wonderful choir and I look forward to seeing what we can do together from next September and beyond.”

Stuart’s appointment follows a comprehensive nationwide recruitment process which attracted more than 30 applications to run the prestigious choir, which was founded in 1947 and is one of the largest in the North West.

Mary Candleland added: “Now we have secured Stuart as our next MD, our focus will be on enjoying every moment of our final season with Tom, who has achieved so much with us. With highlights such as the huge Berlioz Requiem collaboration in March 2027, it’s fair to say he will be going out with a bang!”