Stephen Layton quits Cambridge
NewsThe choral specialist Stephen Layton has decided to leave Trinity College Cambridge this summer after 17 years as Fellow and Director of Music.
He intends ‘to devote more time to his international guest-conducting career’.
Dame Sally Davies, Master of Trinity, said: “The music at Trinity was one of the reasons I was thrilled to come to Trinity and as Master it is my absolute pleasure to regularly attend services and concerts in the College’s Chapel. Under Stephen Layton’s leadership the Choir has exceeded all expectations to become one of the best choirs in the world.
‘Stephen is not only an incredibly accomplished conductor, but also has a talent for
identifying opportunities that enable members of the Choir – who are drawn from our student
body – to grow and develop their musical talents and interests. I am sure alumni and current
members of the College will join me in thanking Stephen for the 17 years he has dedicated
to nurturing our choir members and putting Trinity firmly on the global musical map.’
Stephen Layton is so good at his job, if he was employed by the BBC his post would have just been scrapped.
No one is indispensable and Stephen has done his bit. 17 years is a long time to be in one place, and I really wish him well. A very talented guy so he will do well.
Nice man, too. Fondly known as ‘Sid’ and widely admired for his epic plainchant caesuras.
‘Quit’ is a word with very different implications to ‘Leaves’. Why are the headlines here so determined to imply something dramatic or irregular? I guess I could answer my own question but I think I’ll just quit.
An exacting choirmaster. I know several Choral Scholars who couldn’t take the pace and left the choir while continuing as undergraduates at Trinity.