Peter Smith

Biography

Peter Smith is a British composer and choral conductor, born in 1952 in South London, where he continues to reside. His early education took place at Raynes Park Grammar (now High) School before he advanced to Trinity College of Music as a Junior Exhibitioner. Smith furthered his academic pursuits at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, reading Modern Languages and Music, and studying under several prominent figures in British choral music.

Although Smith spent much of his professional life as an accountant, with roles at the Royal Opera House, Royal College of Art, and as Finance Director for a charitable organization, his passion for music remained central. In 1976, he founded the Wimbledon Chamber Choir, which he continues to conduct, leading performances of a wide repertoire, including his own compositions. Smith is also an accomplished organist, regularly playing the T. C. Lewis organ at Christ Church, Clapham. His works include 'Breathe on me, Breath of God,' 'Fantasia on “Come Ye Faithful”,' and 'Twelve Hymn Preludes.'

Smith’s musical style is rooted in the English choral tradition, reflecting both his formal training and lifelong engagement with church music. His legacy is particularly marked by his contributions to community choral life in South London, the enduring success of the Wimbledon Chamber Choir, and his original compositions performed in church and festival settings.

Fun Facts

• Smith founded the Wimbledon Chamber Choir in 1976 and has conducted it for over four decades.
• He is not a Freemason but served as Finance Director for a charity run by the Freemasons.
• Smith is also an organist and regularly plays the historic T. C. Lewis organ at Christ Church, Clapham.
• The choir he founded celebrated its 40th anniversary with a performance of Thomas Tallis’s 40-part motet 'Spem in Alium.'

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• David Willcocks - Teacher at Cambridge; renowned choral conductor and composer (Guidance during music studies) [1970s]
• Richard Marlow - Teacher at Cambridge; noted organist and choral director (Guidance during music studies) [1970s]
• Philip Radcliffe - Teacher at Cambridge; musicologist and composer (Guidance during music studies) [1970s]
• Peter Tranchell - Teacher at Cambridge; composer and academic (Guidance during music studies) [1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Wimbledon Chamber Choir - Founder and conductor; ensemble performs his works and other choral repertoire (Numerous concerts, including performances of Tallis’s 'Spem in Alium' and Smith's own compositions) [1976–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Le Ballet des Ombres (Berlioz: Songs for Chorus)
2. Six Pack (Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie: Reinterpreting Black Flag)
3. Nervous Breakdown (Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie: Reinterpreting Black Flag)
4. Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie (Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie: Reinterpreting Black Flag)
5. Hero - From "Spider-Man" (Filmmusik)
6. In the Jailhouse Now (Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie: Reinterpreting Black Flag)
7. The Cowboy Song (feat. Nathaniel Smith, Peter Smith, Timothy Smith & Andrew Smith) (Meeting in the Air)
8. I Don't Have to Wait Until I'm Grown Up (feat. Peter Smith) (Meeting in the Air)
9. Hold to the Book (feat. Dwight Smith, Peter Smith, Timothy Smith & Nathaniel Smith) (Meeting in the Air)
10. Sweet Georgia Brown (Dollar Dreams)

External Links

• Spotify