CHORAL TESTIMONIES

  • I have always particularly enjoyed performing in concerts with you as you give the choir so much. I love the way that you are always striving for more and for perfection, even when we constantly let you down! I never want to sing just for the sake of it and I can safely say that life with you was never hum-drum or mediocre.

    Lizann Peppard - Chair (Alto 2)

    London Oriana Choir

  • I have been in the choir for ten years and although I have had the very great privilege of working with some amazing musicians and conductors in my professional career David is the musician I admire the most. This is not hyperbole on my part; my musical experiences with him have been almost without exception rewarding, emotional and life-affirming. I think I have learned as much about myself through David and the music he has taught us as I have from the amazingly diverse repertoire we have learned and I am very proud to have sung under his direction for the last ten years. David is in my view one of the very best choral conductors - he knows so much about music, about singing technique and about repertoire but he wears it all lightly. Those of us who have been in the choir long enough have learned to trust his mad ideas and go along with them.

    Simon Funnell - Chair (Tenor);
    Former Executive Director of London Mozart Players

    London Oriana Choir

  • As a rookie Lamplighter, may I simply say that if David Drummond isn’t awarded the TBA's “Outstanding Musical Direction” laurel, then there is — as I have long expected — no God. The man was astonishingly precise, humorously directive, inventively interpretive, wonderfully firm, exceptionally perceptive, marvelously personable, and careful to balance his guidance and interpersonal attention among each and every ensemble member, from the rank amateurs such as myself to the brilliant principals that make the Lamplighters. It was a pleasure — a great pleasure — to work under his baton. Outstanding.

    Rik Myslewski - Chorus Bass

    Lamplighters (Addressed to the Company Director)

  • ...thank you so much for supporting me in my singing over the last few years. I have very much valued the way in which you have encouraged me to develop, challenged and supported me. Music has been important to me virtually all my life, but whilst I enjoy it for myself, I have often found it very difficult to be a performer. Your encouragement has helped me to think that I can do it (to some degree!), and that I appreciate very much. I'm sure I'm not the only one, but you have made a real difference to me, my confidence and my singing! I wish I had found Oriana sooner, but I am so glad that I joined the choir, and truly grateful that I was able to be part of the wonderful community that you have helped to build

    Claire Warrior - Soprano

    London Oriana Choir

  • We shall insist on you taking us through some 'early' music at your next visit as we all want to experience your refreshing approach to that area of the choral repertoire. If it's as vigorous as your work on C20th, we're in for a treat.

    Grace Dives

    Pigott’s Music Camp

  • "I have only witnessed the last 5 of your 17 years with the choir. But they have brought me so many rich experiences - due to you, and also due to the high-standard, go-for-anything choir which you have moulded. If there is one word which to me characterises my time with the Oriana, it would be ""excitement"". It is no accident that, when other ensembles (even the most highly-regarded) perform some of ""our"" pieces, I often find them dreadfully bland, dull and without interest. Your approach with us has not been some artificially manufactured, hyped-up or nervy state (say: à la Gergiev) - but a genuine digging out from the music all the variety and interest (and yes: excitement) which is buried in it. And we as a choir have thrived on responding to what you would find."

    Bernard Ovink - Baritone

    London Oriana Choir

  • I have absolutely loved singing in Oriana under your direction - I've found it such an exciting choir to sing with, with the massive variety in repertoire and all the challenging concerts. And have often marvelled at your even-temper during tricky rehearsals and your ability to draw the best out of the choir through good-humour and encouragement.

    Krystyna Kujawinska

    London Oriana Choir

  • David Drummond’s skill at choral training is imprinted on everything the choir does, with phrases, dynamics and textures all tightly controlled. The full vocal power of the choir, only previously hinted at in the previous works, was finally released on the forceful opening of the 'Gloria', and the following dynamic contrasts added even more drama.

    Classical Source

    London Oriana Choir: PETITE MESSE SOLENNELLE - Rossini

  • The choral singing is thrilling, under the baton of distinguished Maestro David Drummond, who has coached the company to a pitch of perfection, and the orchestra, too. “Iolanthe” is Sullivan’s most accomplished score, and Drummond skillfuly gives it the detailed attention it deserves.

    Theatre Storm

    Lamplighters Musical Theatre: IOLANTHE - Gilbert & Sullivan

  • "The choral scenes were impressively handled, and David Drummond conducted a fluent, loving account of the score."

    The Financial Times

    University College Opera: THE BALLAD OF BABY DOE - Thomas Moore