David Thomas

David Thomas began his musical training as a chorister at Magdalen College, Oxford, under Dr Bernard Rose. At the age of 13 he began organ lessons and in 1983 became Organ Scholar of The Queen's College, Oxford, studying organ with James Dalton and Kimberly Marshall and singing with Margaret Philpot, as well as reading for a degree in Music.

In a teaching career spanning nearly 35 years, he has held posts at several prestigious schools including The King's School in Canterbury, Fettes College in Edinburgh (Director of Music), Reigate Grammar School (Headmaster), The Purcell School (Headmaster) and Winchester College (Director of Music).

David is an experienced conductor, organist and singer, and has performed on radio and television, made several recordings and toured widely. He has directed a wide variety of groups from choirs to jazz bands, conducted works ranging from Mozart’s Requiem to Cole Porter’s Anything Goes, and in venues including the Fairfield Halls, Westminster Abbey and Winchester Cathedral.

He was previously Musical Director of the Esterhazy Chamber Choir in Lewes, and of the Winchester Music Club, with whom he conducted several major works including Bernstein Chichester Psalms, Bach Magnificat, Handel Messiah, Haydn Nelson Mass, Brahms Requiem and Vaughan Williams Dona nobis pacem.

David moved to Shropshire in 2021, where he lives with his wife Sally and their two dogs, Rupert and Ivy. As well as conducting the Phoenix Singers, he is Chapel Organist at Shrewsbury School, and gives frequent organ recitals around the country.