AFTER nearly a year of performing solo, vocal harmony group The Spectrum Singers are thrilled to announce the appointment of talented young conductor David Hutchings as its new musical director.

Mr Hutchings holds a Masters in Musicology from Cardiff University and has notched up an impressive list of ensembles under his baton since graduating in 2011. He has worked with a diverse array of singers and musicians, held posts with several large choral societies, and wanted to expand his portfolio by directing a smaller, more specialist group. The Spectrum Singers are a double quartet of musically literate amateurs, who mainly sing a cappella and aspire to produce a professional sound.

"When I first heard the choir I knew there was something special at work; they had an innate ability to blend simply by listening and I just offer suggestions as to how to take their singing to that next level," said Mr Hutchings. "It is very rare you get this feeling when working with a new choir, but they have just kept on improving."

The Spectrum Singers are working towards their debut performance under the direction of Mr Hutchings on the steps of St David’s Hall, serenading the audience to the ‘Romantic Prom’ on Wednesday, July 23, with a medley of love songs.

"We’re so excited to be lending our vocal support in this way to the Welsh Proms and feel we’re on the threshold of great things with Dave, who is well connected in the musical world," said Suzanne Jones, soprano. "It was a struggle for the choir to keep going without any direction and, in just a few weeks of rehearsing us, Dave has really raised the bar and helped us find our voice again."

Promoting the Welsh Proms marks the start of a busy summer programme for the choir. The Spectrum Singers will be providing a musical reception for visitors to the National Trust property of Dyffryn House from 2pm on the afternoon of Saturday, July 26, followed by an appearance on stage at The Barry Island Weekenders Street Music festival at 4.30pm. The choristers are then set to lead Mass and Evensong at Llandaff Cathedral over the weekend of August 9-10.