Romsey Choral Society’s musical director of 22 years, David Truslove, has decided the time is right for change and will be standing down at the end of December.

Paying tribute to David, RCS chairman, Kath Tilling, remarked that today’s choir was unrecognisable from the one he inherited in 1991.

She said that during his time at the helm, the quality of singing had improved and its repertoire widened.

In 1996, David’s enterprising programming won for the choir a Performing Right Society award.

“The choir has gained enormously from those experiences and also from working together on various performance projects, including concerts, weddings, workshops, foreign tours, inter-choir collaborations and recordings,” said Kath. “The choir is now at a point where it enjoys a high standing in both choral and community circles, thanks to David.

Mr Truslove commented: “The last 22 years with the society have been highly memorable; whether being with the choir on tour, championing lesser-known British choral works, or seeing the choir perform in the Royal Albert Hall – it has been a valuable, immensely rewarding and enriching experience. It has been a privilege to work with the choir and I am proud of their achievements.” While the society looks for a new director, guest conductor, Jamie W. Hall, who recently stood in for David during his six-month sabbatical, will be taking rehearsals during the spring term, 2013 and will conduct their next concert at the church of St Cross, Winchester, on March 23.

The society will also work with Jamie on its forthcoming collaborative concert with the BBC Singers, which will take place at BBC’s Maida Vale Studios, London, in April.