The end of an era: after 57 years Jeffrey Skidmore to step down from Ex Cathedra with James Burton announced as the new Artistic Director

James Burton conducting Ex Cathedra at Birmingham Town Hall 2025

Ex Cathedra, the Birmingham-based choir, has announced that its founder Jeffrey Skidmore will retire as Artistic Director in Autumn 2027 after 57 years, with James Burton joining the organisation in Spring 2026 as Artistic Director Designate, marking a major leadership transition for the choir.

Burton recently spent eight seasons as Choral Director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Conductor of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, and four years as Director of Orchestral Activities at Boston University’s College of Fine Arts. Now based in the UK, Burton made his debut with Ex Cathedra in a concert in Birmingham Town Hall in October 2025.

He conducted the Schola Cantorum of Oxford for 15 years and founded both the Hallé Youth Choir and the Boston Symphony Children’s Choir. His past leadership roles include serving as Choral Director of the Hallé, and Music Director of the St. Endellion Easter Festival. His compositions are published by Edition Peters.

The 2026-27 season will be Jeffrey Skidmore’s 57th and final season as Artistic Director and Conductor, after which he will become Founder and Conductor Emeritus. Ex Cathedra will celebrate his extraordinary legacy with a series of concerts highlighting the repertoire for which the choir has become internationally renowned, beginning with a French Baroque programme on 15 February 2026, coinciding with his 75th birthday. 

Further details on the Ex Cathedra website.