Meeting some of the singers in the University Chamber Choir. This week, bass David Newell.

Bass desires: David Newell

How did you get into choral singing ? I got into choral singing when I joined Wakefield Cathedral Choir at the age of six.

What’s your favourite piece ? My favourite piece is the ‘Agnus Dei’ from Vaughan Williams’ Mass in G Minor. I sang the solo from it in Salzburg Cathedral on tour.

What’s your best and worst memory of singing in a choir ? My best memory of singing in a choir is Charpentier’s Messe de Minuit at Midnight Mass (hence the name) with a small chamber orchestra. So Christmassy! My worst memory involves rather too much beer, so I shan’t go into it here…

What do you find the most inspirational aspect of choral singing ? The most inspiring thing in choral music is the homogeneous sound a choir can make. It is 100% human, no instruments to get in the way, hide behind or blame. When it is right it is the most right anything can be. Sublime.