Richard Tanner, Director of Music at Rugby School, has been invited to conduct a concert at the illustrious Carnegie Hall in New York City. Scheduled for Sunday, April 6, 2025, this extraordinary event will feature the New England Symphonic Ensemble and a magnificent choir comprising 125 singers.

The chosen piece for this grand occasion is none other than John Rutter's Requiem, a poignant selection deemed fitting for Lent. Adding an intriguing historical layer to the event, it's worth noting that John Rutter himself was the inaugural conductor of the New England Symphonic Ensemble back in 1988.

Expressing his elation, Richard remarked:

“I was very surprised but thrilled to be invited to conduct a concert in New York’s Carnegie Hall. It’s one of the great concert venues of the world, and the only time I have been there was in 2017 to watch from the audience while Rugby School Choir formed part of a large ensemble that sang Poulenc’s Gloria. It’s such a privilege to have an opportunity to conduct a similar performance; the piece chosen is John Rutter’s Requiem, with a large chorus accompanied by the New England Symphonic Ensemble. I’m hoping that we’ll be able to fly over singers from Rugby School to form part of the chorus, as I know it will be an experience they will never forget, just like the group of Rugbeians found in 2017.”

Richard Tanner has been Director of Music at Rugby School since September 2012. We look forward to following his progress with this wonderful musical opportunity.