Few musicians embody our conference theme – Support, Connect, Celebrate – more completely than Howard. His musical journey began as a chorister at New College Oxford, aged just seven, before returning to Oxford as an undergraduate at Christ Church Oxford during the tenure of Simon Preston. The choral tradition he absorbed there profoundly shaped his compositional voice and led to a long and fruitful collaboration with Stephen Darlington over two decades.
Howard’s output spans beloved television themes such as Mr Bean and The Vicar of Dibley, as well as anthems, a mass, and the much-performed Eternal Light: A Requiem, now nearing its 1,000th live performance. His millennial setting of Love Divine – written for the CSA (with lyrics by fellow Christ Church alumnus, Charles Wesley) – remains a testament to his enduring connection with our community.
In Howard’s own words:
“My musical journey began, aged 7, as a chorister at New College Oxford… I am therefore delighted to be able to speak to the gathered nobility of the CSA community back at Christ Church, for which I have such fond memories.”
His return to Christ Church to address the “gathered nobility” of the CSA community promises to be a highlight of our time together — an opportunity not only to celebrate extraordinary musical achievement, but to reconnect with the shared foundations of our choral tradition.
Do join us for what promises to be an inspiring and memorable conference. Come ready to support one another, connect across our network, and celebrate the vibrant future of choir schools together.
Members can book their place at the 2026 conference HERE.
The 2026 conference is being hosted by Christ Church Cathedral School in Oxford from the 29th April to 1st May and the early conference programme can be read by clicking the image below…
