Rehearsals will begin again on September 11, 2023
Our Music Director
Benjamin Gaughran BMus PGCE MA FRSM MMus
From the United Kingdom, Benjamin Gaughran began his musical studies as a pianist, giving solo performances and accompanying choirs and musical theatre. He studied voice with British opera singer Margaret Preece and former BBC Singers member Graham Titus. His singing performances have comprised classical and musical theatre contexts, including the role of Joseph in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and The Artful Dodger in “Oliver.” Mr. Gaughran has sung with many choirs, including The City of Birmingham Choir, The Royal Holloway Chorus, and recently The University of Michigan Chamber Choir.
After earning a Bachelor of Music degree from Royal Holloway, University of London, he began his career as a choral conductor. Mentored by Rupert Gough, he became a student conductor of the Royal Holloway Founder’s Choir and conducted The Royal Holloway Early Music Ensemble and Singers. Mr. Gaughran has also conducted various community and public school choirs, musical theatre companies, and ensembles across the United Kingdom. He studied with some of England’s finest choral conductors, including Amy Bebbington, Manvinder Rattan, and Sarah Tenant-Flowers. At the University of Michigan, he is studying choral conducting under Dr. Eugene Rogers.
Mr. Gaughran has been organist/pianist and music director for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in congregations across the United Kingdom for nearly 20 years. He has also trained music leaders and staff, and was recently appointed a preeminent position as Fellow of the Royal Schools of Music in Choral Conducting.
Mr. Gaughran’s choral conducting approach is to help all members feel included, while setting high standards, striving for excellence, and inspiring those with whom he works to achieve their potential.
He is thrilled to be in Michigan with his wife and five children. As Music Director of the Women's Chamber Chorus, Mr. Gaughran says, "I look forward to making music with them and being able to give back to the wonderful community of Ann Arbor."