Michael Lewis, the musical director of Snowdown Male Voice Choir will retire from his position at the end of next year.

He has directed Snowdown Male Voice Choir, one of the most respected and longest continually active musical ensembles in Kent, for more than 20 years.

Distinguished Mr Lewis has a wealth of other musical accomplishments including as the former head of music at The Langton Grammar School for Boys, Canterbury.

He was also organist and choirmaster at St Mary’s Church in Ashford, the musical director of Dover Choral Society, and has worked with Kent Youth Choir, Kent Youth Singers and other local choirs.

Academically trained as a teacher, an organist, a conductor and a composer, Mr Lewis also completed a Masters degree in 2007, working with the internationally renowned composer Paul Patterson.

He remains very much in demand and still finds time to write new music as well as being organist at St Margaret’s Church, Womenswold, singing with the Shepway Singers and playing piano in a local jazz group.

'Michael has brought the choir to an extremely high standard of performance during his time with us' - Garry Tingh

He is married to Marilyn, who is also involved in local musical activities, as is their daughter Michelle who is an orchestra manager in Wellington, New Zealand.

The chairman of Snowdown Male Voice Choir, Gerry Tighe, says “Through his outstanding musical knowledge and experience, Michael has brought the choir to an extremely high standard of performance during his time with us.

"He also holds the record for being our longest-serving musical director since we were founded 90 years ago.

"Michael has been with us for 22 years and by the time of his retirement he will have conducted us in more than 400 concerts, an extraordinary record, at venues not only locally, but also throughout the UK and in mainland Europe.”

Snowdown Male Voice Choir is now seeking his successor.

An information pack for candidates will be available early in 2019.

In the meantime, anyone interested in the position can get more information on the choir from snowdown-choir.co.uk or is invited to drop an email to scwmvc@gmail.com