About Paul
At the end of December 2021, Paul retired as Coventry Cathedral Chorus’s Director of Music after 37 years. Rachel Mahon, Director of Music at Coventry Cathedral, has taken over the role vacated by Paul as he becomes Conductor Emeritus, ensuring that the link between the Chorus and Paul is maintained.Although Paul conducted Coventry Cathedral Chorus (formerly Saint Michael’s Singers) for 37 years, he has been associated with the choir since 1977. At that time he was appointed Assistant Director of Music at the cathedral, under Ian Little, and accompanist and assistant conductor of Saint Michael’s Singers. In 1982 Paul was appointed Musical Director of the Methodist Association of Youth Clubs, but returned to Coventry as Director of Music at the cathedral and of the Singers in 1984.
Despite relinquishing his post as the cathedral’s Director of Music in 1995, Paul continued to lead Saint Michael’s Singers and became Associate Director of Music at the cathedral, a position he held until 2019.
On Tuesday 14th December, at Paul’s final rehearsal with the choir, a tribute in the form of a surprise This Is Your Life was paid to him. As a sign of the affection and high regard in which Paul is held, many of his friends and family contributed written, audio and video messages to the event and he was presented with a number of gifts to mark his retirement.
Paul’s final concert as DoM of Coventry Cathedral Chorus was a performance of Handel’s Messiah in the cathedral on Monday 20th December. As well as current members of the Chorus, many former members were invited to sing on this very special occasion. At this event, the Dean of Coventry, the Very Revd. John Witcombe, bestowed on Paul the title of Organist Emeritus at the cathedral, complementing his Conductor Emeritus award.
Further information about Paul can be found at paulleddingtonwright.wixsite.com/paulleddingtonwright
