Bath’s beloved choir leader steps down after 30 years of musical magic

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


After more than 30 years of leading choirs in Bath, Grenville Jones, affectionately known as "Bath's Mr Music," is stepping down from his role at the end of the year.

His decision marks the end of an era for a man whose passion for music and community engagement has shaped the city's choral landscape. While this may seem like a farewell, it is by no means a retirement. With many exciting ventures still ahead, Grenville’s journey in music is far from over.

Grenville’s love for music started early in life. Growing up in a Methodist home in Swindon, he was surrounded by music from a young age.

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He recalls his formative years fondly: "I was brought up in a strong Methodist home in Swindon where music was part of my life – lived in the village of Farmborough in the 70s and was asked by the Rev David Marshall (lovely local vicar) if I would conduct the Church Choir for a Christmas concert."

It wasn’t a planned career path, but one that grew organically, rooted in his increasing involvement with singing and choir leadership. Over time, his skills and passion developed, eventually leading him to take over an established but struggling Bath choir in 1997.

This moment was the beginning of a journey that would see Grenville rebuild the choir's numbers, take them on tours across the globe, and introduce celebrity concerts featuring some of the biggest names in classical and contemporary music.

Reflecting on these experiences, Grenville remains modest, but his passion is clear: "This was a very new experience for me back then but I like to think that my enthusiasm and willingness to learn did attract many new singers."

Grenville's contribution to Bath’s choir scene cannot be understated. When he first arrived, the city had a modest number of established choirs. Over the years, however, Bath saw a significant increase in the number of choirs, including many non-auditioned community groups. Grenville played a key role in fostering this environment, but he is also keenly aware of its challenges.

"I do think there are now far too many choirs in Bath. This means that the numbers of singers in each choir are fairly small with the knock-on effect of making it very difficult to attract sufficient audiences and cover costs,” he says.

One of his standout memories during his time in Bath was performing alongside internationally renowned artists, such as Katherine Jenkins. In a particularly memorable moment, he recalls standing on stage with Jenkins after a concert, when she leaned over to ask him, "Would you like another song, Grenville?" His reply, naturally, was an enthusiastic yes.

Grenville Jones leads a choir
Grenville Jones leads a choir

Despite his success, Grenville remains down-to-earth about the relationships he has built over the years, noting that the social aspect of choir membership is just as important as the singing itself. Many lifelong friendships have been formed during rehearsals, and it is these connections that Grenville treasures most.

In addition to his work with choirs, Grenville is perhaps best known as the founder of the nationwide charity, Golden-Oldies (known as ‘Goldies’). Inspired by a Channel 4 programme called Young at Heart, which featured older adults in the US singing for fun, Grenville set out to create something similar in the UK. What began with just four sessions in Bath has grown into a network of over 180 fun singing sessions for older, vulnerable people across England and Wales, under the banner of Goldies Cymru in Wales.

The success of the charity, now a lifeline for many, brings him great pride: "Everything, because the charity quite simply gives lonely people something special to look forward to."

The Covid-19 pandemic posed a significant challenge to Goldies, but Grenville and his team adapted, offering online sessions that kept the spirit of the charity alive. These efforts allowed participants to continue enjoying music, albeit from the safety of their homes.

Looking ahead, Grenville’s focus on Goldies remains strong, with plans to expand further: "Develop more sessions, particularly in North Wales and South West England; more songs equals more smiles."

In 2023, Grenville suffered the heartbreaking loss of his son, Kieron. This personal tragedy only strengthened his resolve to use music as a force for good. In Kieron’s memory, Grenville organised a special memorial concert at Bath Abbey, raising over £8,000 for the local charity ‘We Get It,’ which supports those affected by cancer.

Through his fundraising efforts, Grenville has raised millions of pounds for various charities over the years, but it is clear that this concert holds particular significance.

Though stepping down from some of his responsibilities in Bath, Grenville’s love for music remains undimmed. He will continue leading his new mixed-voice choir in South Gloucestershire and the Devizes Good Afternoon Choir.

His vision for these new choirs, and his desire to continue expanding his Good Afternoon Choir project across the UK, speaks to his enduring commitment to bringing people together through song.

"I get so much pleasure from my new choir in South Gloucestershire which is building in numbers week on week and the lovely folk at Devizes. I like to think I still have the ability to lead and bring joy through making music… always leaving a rehearsal with a smile."

Additionally, the City of Bath Male Choir, now led by his son Laurie, is planning a tour to Bath’s twin city, Alkmaar, in April—a project Grenville remains involved with, even as he passes the baton to the next generation.

As Grenville prepares to conduct his final Christmas charity concert in Bath this December, he does so with a sense of pride and accomplishment. The event, held at St Michael’s Church, promises to be a fitting conclusion to this chapter of his career. For Grenville, the concert is more than just a celebration of music; it is a reflection of the friendships, memories, and joy that music has brought to so many lives.

"I love Christmas music and I’m hoping that many of the singers who have been with me in the past will come back to celebrate and close the chapter."

His final Christmas charity concert will be in St Michael’s Church on Saturday December 21 … it promises to be a special night starting at 7pm – tickets are £18 from grenvillemusic.ticketlight.co.uk or by calling 0844 888 9991.