Gareth Malone is an English choirmaster, broadcaster, and musician, widely recognized for his innovative approach to choral music and his influential television series, The Choir. His work has not only popularized singing in schools but has also highlighted the transformative power of music in communities.
Early Life and Education
Gareth studied at Bournemouth School, where he began singing with the Symphony Chorus of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO). He later attended the University of East Anglia in Norwich, where he studied drama, participated in the university choir, and composed music for various theatre productions. After graduating, he provided private tuition before enrolling in a postgraduate vocal studies course at the Royal Academy of Music, where he achieved his degree with distinction in 2005.
Prior to his television career, Gareth worked with the London Symphony Orchestra at LSO St Luke’s, where he managed both a youth choir and a community choir until December 2009.
Television Career
Gareth’s entry into television came when he was approached by 20/20, a production company interested in creating a series about singing in schools. Their research into “community choirmasters” led them to Gareth Malone, which resulted in the acclaimed series The Choir. The show was groundbreaking, focusing on teaching choral singing to teenagers who had little or no previous experience, starting with a pilot set in Northolt High School.
The series received significant acclaim, winning two BAFTAs and a Broadcast award. Subsequent installments of the series continued to explore the theme of choral music in challenging environments, including:
- Boys Don’t Sing (2008): This program followed students at an all-boys school in Leicester, where there was a notable reluctance to participate in singing.
- Unsung Town: This series featured the creation of a community choir in South Oxhey, showcasing the impact of music in bringing people together.
In 2010, Gareth expanded his reach by presenting the children’s program The Big Performance on CBBC. This series followed ten shy young singers as they faced their fears and performed for larger audiences, culminating in a live performance for the BBC Proms in the Park. A second series aired in 2011, which included a special performance of a choral arrangement for Children in Need, connecting children’s choirs nationwide through satellite links.
Notable Achievements
In November 2014, Gareth and a group of celebrities he had mentored achieved a UK number one with their charity single ‘Wake Me Up’, benefiting Children in Need. This project further solidified Gareth’s reputation as a passionate advocate for music and its role in community building.
Legacy
Gareth Malone’s work has significantly influenced the landscape of choral music in the UK, demonstrating how singing can empower individuals and foster community connections. His engaging approach and commitment to encouraging participation in music continue to inspire audiences and aspiring musicians alike.
