Gareth Malone has carved a unique niche in the world of music as an English choirmaster and broadcaster renowned for his enthusiastic promotion of choral singing. His journey in music began with a robust foundation laid down during his early years; he honed his vocal skills with the Symphony Chorus of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and furthered his passion by studying drama and music at the University of East Anglia. Gareth’s academic pursuits in music culminated with a postgraduate vocal studies course at the Royal Academy of Music, where he graduated with distinction. His early career was deeply embedded in community work, prominently marked by his role at the London Symphony Orchestra's LSO St Luke's, where he led both the youth and community choirs.
The transition from a community choirmaster to a television personality was sparked by Gareth's innovative approach to music education, which caught the attention of a production company looking to create a series about singing in schools. This collaboration gave rise to 'The Choir', a BAFTA-winning television series that showcased Gareth’s talent in bringing choral music to a wider audience, particularly focusing on youths with no prior musical experience. His work on television has not only popularised choral singing but also highlighted the transformative power of music by bringing it into unconventional spaces, such as schools and community centres, thereby making it accessible to everyone.
Gareth's influence extended beyond television as he took on ambitious projects like The Knight Crew, a youth opera performed at the prestigious Glyndebourne. This project, based on a novel, involved intense workshops and auditions to cast young performers from diverse backgrounds, culminating in a series that was both a cultural spectacle and a significant educational experience. His efforts were recognised when he was awarded the Freedom of the City of London in 2010, underscoring his contributions to music education in the city. Gareth’s commitment to fostering young talent and his innovative methods in music education have made significant impacts, resonating through various facets of the British cultural scene.
Throughout his career, Gareth has also embarked on special projects that blend social causes with musical endeavours, such as forming the Military Wives Choir. This initiative provided a musical outlet for the wives and partners of military personnel, culminating in a poignant performance at the Royal British Legion's Festival of Remembrance. This choir not only provided emotional support but also achieved remarkable success with their single becoming the Christmas number one in 2011, a testament to Gareth’s ability to touch hearts and unite people through music. His continued success on television and his involvement in community-oriented music projects reflect his enduring commitment to enriching lives through the power of singing, making Gareth Malone a pivotal figure in the modern choral movement.
