James Burton, who gave his debut with Ex Cathedra in October 2025, has had leadership roles including choral director of the Hallé Youth Choir and music director of the St. Endellion Easter Festival

Photo: Ex Cathedra

Changing Faces

Ex Cathedra announces ‘major leadership transition’

Arts Professional
2 min read

Ex Cathedra will undergo a “major leadership transition” with conductor and composer JAMES BURTON set to take the reins as the new artistic director.

Bringing experience of conducting leading British and international choirs and orchestras, including the BBC Singers, Ulster Orchestra and Denmark’s Aalborg Symphony, Burton will join the Ex Cathedra choir in spring this year as artistic director designate.

Ex Cathedra founder and current artistic director JEFFREY SKIDMORE OBE will retire in autumn 2027 after 57 years at the helm.

Burton recently spent eight seasons as choral director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and conductor of the Tanglewood festival Chorus, as well as four years as director of orchestral activities at Boston University’s College of Fine Arts.

After 15 years of conducting the Schola Cantorum of Oxford and founding the Hallé Youth Choir and the Boston Symphony Children’s Choir, Burton will continue his work with young people at Ex Cathedra.

“Ex Cathedra represents so much that I feel passionate about as a musician: not only its striving for excellence, but also the way it cultivates the power of singing to inspire people across its community, and I have greatly enjoyed getting to know the musicians, staff and trustees over the last months”, Burton said.

He continued: “The group has forged a unique role within the UK’s exciting choral ecosystem, and I am looking forward to leading Ex Cathedra into its next chapter and building on the incredible legacy which Jeffrey has given us.”

Skidmore, whose last season will be 2026-27 before he becomes founder and conductor emeritus, said he was “delighted” with the new appointment.

“James is an eloquent and persuasive musician with a bold and adventurous approach to repertoire and music-making,” he said.

“I look forward to working closely with him over the next year or so to ensure a smooth transition and guarantee a secure and flourishing new era for Ex Cathedra.”

The choir chair, PETER PHILLIPS, said Burton was “a musician of extraordinary accomplishment and breadth” and was “equally inspiring to professionals, amateurs, and young people”.

“This is an exciting appointment, and I know James will build on Jeffrey Skidmore’s legacy as founder and take Ex Cathedra to ambitious new heights.”