Important news about our Musical Director, Andrew Lumsden

It has been announced that Dr Andrew Lumsden will step down from his role as Musical Director and Conductor of the Waynflete Singers in December 2026, following the appointment of a new Director of Music at Winchester Cathedral. He has conducted the choir since 2002, and led them in numerous cathedral performances, as well as tours to Paris, Florence, Bruges, and Normandy.

Speaking on behalf of the Waynflete Singers, chairman Daniel Benton says, ‘We are enormously grateful for Andrew Lumsden’s dedication and strong leadership for nearly 25 years, and for many highly memorable and critically acclaimed performances, not least the recent fabulous performance of Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius in Winchester Cathedral’.

Andrew Lumsden comments: ‘I am immensely grateful to the Waynflete Singers, not only for giving me the chance to conduct some of the world’s most incredible music with wonderful orchestras and soloists, but also for their camaraderie, friendship and support. I wish them well.’

Since its foundation in1970 by Alwyn Surplice, the choir has been closely associated with Winchester Cathedral and has historically been conducted by the cathedral’s Director of Music. After assuming her role at the cathedral in September this year, Katherine Dienes-Williams will be taking over as Musical Director of the choir in January 2027.

The new Dean of Winchester Cathedral, The Very Reverend Chris Palmer, has also accepted the choir’s invitation to take on the role of President with immediate effect.

Andrew Lumsden’s final concert with the Waynflete Singers will be J S Bach’s Christmas Oratorio on Saturday 5 December 2026 in Winchester Cathedral.