The Genesis Chorale is a mixed choir of more than 60 voices who are based in and around the West Byfleet area of Surrey.

Robert Hodge took the post of Musical Director of The Genesis Chorale in April 2010. We look forward to a long and successful relationship with this up and coming young conductor. Rehearsal accompaniment is supplied by Leslie Louis on the piano.

The choir performs at least three concerts each year in the Spring, the Summer and at Christmas and tries to achieve a balance of singing new and lesser known works in addition to the firm favourites which are well known to audiences.

The choir has always set out to be the friendliest in the area. New members rarely leave, because a heavy emphasis is placed on enjoyment both at rehearsals and in concert. For this reason, auditions are not required, and voices of all standards are invited to join. An ability to read music is an advantage, but not essential.

The Genesis Chorale was formed in 1981 and over the years has grown to more than 60 voices. Originally it was called the Gemini Chorale by its esteemed founder and musical director, Keith Mansfield - a noted local musician and patron of the Arts. When Keith retired in 1999, the choir reformed and changed its name to Genesis. The Genesis Chorale is proud to have peformed under the musical directorship of Neil Ferris, Mark Sproson and Rachel Staunton (formerly Rachel Coward), and now we are pleased to welcome Robert Hodge.

The Genesis Chorale has recently performed the Requiems of Mozart and Haydn, Carmina Burana and Bachs St John Passion, Faures Requiem and Lauridsens Lux Aeterna, as well as operatic favourites and many lighter and popular secular works with more traditional carols at Christmas. These concerts, often augmented with professional soloists and orchestras, have proved extremely popular and usually attract full houses at St Johns Church, West Byfleet.

Musical Director - Robert Hodge

Robert is the Musical Director of the City of Cambridge Symphony Orchestra, Genesis Chorale and Guest Conductor of Suffolk Sinfonia. He is also acting Musical Director for the East Regional Orchestra of the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain. 2011/12 will see him making his debut with the Royal College of Music Junior Department and Havant Symphony Orchestra, with whom he is the current holder of the Bob Harding Bursary for Young Conductors.

Born in Pembrokeshire, Robert read music at Royal Holloway, University of London where he studied piano with James Kirby, violin with Alex Wood, and conducting with Levon Parikian. He then won a scholarship to the Royal College of Music where he now studies conducting with Peter Stark and Robin O’Neill.

At the RCM Robert works regularly with the Philharmonic and Symphony Orchestras, preparing for, and assisting many eminent visiting conductors. He will also be conducting the newly formed Parry Orchestra as part of his role as Musical Director of the Students’ Association.

Robert is passionate about the education of young musicians and along with the NCO and RCMJD, he conducts at Twyford CofE High School, Ealing Schools Symphony Orchestra and teaches at Pangbourne College.

When time allows Robert works as a keyboard player, performing mainly as a chamber musician and accompanist. He spent six years as accompanist for Pangbourne Choral Society and has been the orchestral pianist for the European Union Youth Orchestra, with whom he toured Europe in 2011. At the RCM he studies Harpsichord with Terence Charlston.

Robert's scholarship at the RCM is generously funded by the H R Taylor Trust.

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