The relationship between SCC and our Musical Director Paul Ellis goes back over thirty years. Together we regularly give concerts in Sherborne Abbey, and further afield, with some of this country’s top soloists and orchestral players.

Born in Nottinghamshire, Paul studied at Manchester University and the Royal Northern College of Music, where his main instrument was the organ. His love of choral music developed whilst at university, where he formed his first choir. He has worked with many choirs throughout the South West, and has earned a reputation for high standards of performance and innovative programming. He is particularly known for his ability to coax out the best from amateur singers of all ages, and introducing them to a broad range of music, from the Renaissance right through to present day.

Amongst the choirs that Paul has directed are the Grange Choral Society in Christchurch, Taunton Camerata, Sherborne School Music Society, and the Liskeard-based East Cornwall Bach Choir. He has been actively involved in leading choral music locally for many years. He was Director of Music of Sherborne Abbey for thirteen years until his retirement in 2019, where he was responsible for building a thriving choir of adults and boys, conducting them each week in a wide range of repertoire and undertaking a number of recordings and tours. He has been Musical Director of Sherborne Festival Chorus since its formation in 2006, giving many memorable performances of major choral works with them in the Sherborne Abbey Festival.