Timothy Cranfield
We are very pleased that Timothy Cranfield has agreed to conduct the choir, taking over from Drew Cantrill-Fenwick in January 2026. Timothy Cranfield is a freelance conductor and academic based in Newcastle upon Tyne. Tim grew up in Hertfordshire and started singing in his local parish choir when he was 7. While at school he took part in several music groups, including joining the local choral society (Orpheus Choir of North Herts), the National Youth Choir as well as the RSCM Millennium Youth Choir. In 016, he moved up to Newcastle to read music, where he studied conducting under Eric Cross and Mark Edwards, and Gareth Jones during a year abroad at the University of Calgary. He is currently working part-time towards a PhD at Newcastle University researching the history of choral music in Newcastle during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Since 2019 Tim has been Director of Music at St Andrew's Church where he regularly conducts and works with a select choir of university student scholars to provide high quality music to enrich church services. He has formed a close relationship with Newcastle Cathedral including the initiation of a joint organ scholarship. In 2025 Tim became Director of Music at Newcastle Choral Society, running regular rehearsals and also introducing a student scholarship scheme. NCS are currently working towards a performance of Haydn's The Creation in March 2026. At Newcastle Cathedral, Tim works as Music Administrator and previously held the Bass Choral Scholarship. At Newcastle University, Tim is also the assistant Conductor and Tutor on the undergraduate Baroque Opera module as well as the New Vocal Ensemble. Tim is delighted to be taking interim charge of Cappella and is looking forward to working with the choir.
