British composer and choir director, Philip Stopford visited Abbey Gate College from New York last week to hold a choral masterclass with the Chapel Choir.

The 63 members of the Choir had the amazing experience of meeting the renowned composer in person and performing his beautiful choral music to him. Pieces included, ‘In My Father’s House’ and ‘Lully, Lulla, Lullay’, with a solo by Maisie Watkins, Year 10.

Stopford, who has an enviable reputation as an engaging and meticulous choir trainer, gave encouragement and constructive feedback as well as explaining his compositional intent to the Choir during the masterclass.

Sixth Form music students were then treated to a composition workshop with Stopford, where he explained his own personal process of musical composition and critiqued the students’ work. Three of Stopford’s works appeared in the Classic FM Hall of Fame 2014.

Head of Music, James Andrews, said: “It was incredibly inspiring to have Philip here again. His insightful comments and sensitive interpretations of the music left everyone amazed and enthusiastic about music.”