Michael Graham

Director of Chapel Music

Michael Graham is a conductor, organist and singer based in Devon. He has served as Director of Chapel Music at the University of Exeter since 2013 and is also Musical Director of the Devon Philharmonic Orchestra.

Born and educated in Liverpool, Michael began his musical training as Organ Scholar at St Bartholomew’s Church, Rainhill. He later attended the Junior Royal Northern College of Music, where he studied conducting with Dane Lam and voice with the late Jeff Lawton. He subsequently held positions at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, St David's Cathedral and Exeter Cathedral.

Michael was appointed to lead Chapel Music at the University of Exeter at the age of 22. During his tenure, he has developed the University Chapel Choir into one of the leading student ensembles in the South West, with an ambitious programme of weekly services, concerts, broadcasts, recordings and international tours.

Under his direction, the choir has performed regularly at Exeter Cathedral and other major venues across the UK and Europe. Recent highlights have included the Chapel Choir's first BBC Radio 3 Choral Evensong broadcast, performances at the English Music Festival, and the world premiere of Edgar Bainton's To the Name Above Every Name.

Michael has also developed a distinctive programme of research-led musical projects. Working with University historian Professor James Clark and the National Trust, he has led the revival of medieval music associated with Buckland Abbey, bringing music unheard for centuries back into live performance. The project has received national press coverage and will lead to a new recording by the Chapel Choir.

Alongside his University work, Michael is Musical Director of the Devon Philharmonic Orchestra, Organist and Director of Music at St Michael and All Angels, Heavitree, and Director of the Devon Chorale. He also works with young musicians through his teaching at Blundell's School.

His work increasingly brings together choral, orchestral and historical performance, with a particular commitment to developing ambitious musical collaborations across Exeter, Devon and the wider South West.

Michael is always pleased to hear from prospective Choral and Organ Scholars considering study at Exeter.

Contact: chapelmusic@exeter.ac.uk.