Musical Director – Ian Hÿtch
Ian Hÿtch has recently moved to Norwich after retiring from 53 years of teaching music in many different types of school. His twin daughters, 22, have now ‘flown the nest’!
Ian has over 40 years experience of conducting both as resident and guest conductor for choirs, orchestras and brass bands. Ian has worked with many international soloists (Dennis Matthews, Atarah-Ben-Tovim, Emma Johnson and Christopher Keyte) and artistic directors of high repute, including productions of ‘La Traviata’ with Bryan Drake, ‘Carmen’ with Geoffrey Davies in the Theatre Royal, Norwich. Well known for his inspirational vision and dynamic style, Musical Societies have flourished under his direction. Works conducted include Dream of Gerontius, Verdi Requiem, Carmina Burana and a wide range of concerti, symphonic works and new commissions.
As a composer, Ian has accepted many large and small scale commissioned works, mainly in the UK and USA, including ‘Nocturne’ for Harp and Handbells first performed in California. In 2011 Ian was awarded first prize in the English Poetry and Song Society’s composing competition with his Song Cycle ‘Autumn’. His ‘Octagon Psalms’ has received five performances and his Concerto for Flute and Strings three times. Recent premiers of orchestral Song Cycle ‘Seagull’ and ‘Transfiguration’ for chorus and orchestra, also Sonata for Clarinet and Orchestra. Ian is published by Alea Publishing and ‘From the Top Music’ in America.
Ian enjoys walking, reading Historical novels and watching sport – particularly Cricket & Rugby, – he is a lifelong Leicester Tigers fan !!