A SOUTHAMPTON choir is all set to welcome a top new talent as its artistic leader.

Ben Costello takes up his post as musical director of Southampton Choral Society this September.

Working internationally as a musical director, festival adjudicator, singing coach and accompanist, Ben has worked with Thames Concerts; Kingston Chamber Singers and Leith Hill Musical Festival. He is also assistant artistic director of Thames Philharmonic Choir and is on the faculty of Laine Theatre Arts.

Greeting his appointment Ben said: “I am definitely excited and thrilled to take up this role in Southampton. The Choral Society gave me a trial rehearsal on an incredibly

hot evening in July. And happily, it was not just the weather that was hot – I was really impressed by the quality of the Choral Society’s singing, and by the obvious energy of its members.

"I am honoured to be their new artistic leader, and look forward to offering Southampton and its audiences great music, performed at the

highest level of quality, as well as a range of accessible and inclusive singing events

for all”.

Southampton Choral Society’s Chairperson Barbara Cobley added: “Our search

process for a new artistic leader was a fair and exacting one. So I am very pleased

that we could find an outstanding musician of Ben’s calibre to join us, and also at his

passion for inclusive music for all. This will ensure that Southampton Choral Society

continues to be a leading source of quality singing for everybody.”

Ben makes his debut when he conducts a concert of great Opera Choruses together with a choral masterpiece by Puccini, on

November 3 at 7.30 pm in St. James’ Church, West End.