About Us
The Sheldon Singers, formed in 1987, is now the most widely respected and recognised choir in East Devon. Essentially a chamber choir, the Sheldon Singers perform a broad range of music, from madrigals to oratorios. Two main concerts are given each year, with the summer season devoted either to an overseas tour or to a residential period at one of England’s great cathedrals.
Musical Director Julie De'Ath Lancaster sang her first solo around the age of 8 in the school nativity play. After realising that her figure did not lend itself to being the ballet dancer she aspired to become, singing and music became the focus of her life. At Trinity College of Music in London she won the College’s Elisabeth Schumann Prize.
Julie studied for her Post Graduate Certificate of Education at London University and from then on her professional life has been that of a singer and music educator. Her opera and oratorio engagements as a solo soprano have taken her to the great cathedrals of Southwark and Carlisle, to Spain with the Mozart Singers as well as to many renowned UK concert halls. Working for Devon County as an Advisory Teacher for Music, she instigated the setting up of the Devon Youth Choir and was a répétiteur for Sir David Willcocks when he worked with the County Devon Choir.
For 6 years Director of Music in St Paul’s, Honiton, she has conducted workshops and vocal training sessions for the RSCM as well as being an examiner for them. Julie previously taught singers at Exeter University for many years.
Small experienced chamber choir, available for Concerts, Events and Weddings