Ronald Corp, who has died aged 74, made an indelible mark on the British music scene, particularly in his work with choral singers. Having founded the New London Orchestra in 1988, he went on to establish and conduct its children’s choir, as well as directing the London Chorus (previously the London Choral Society) and Highgate Choral Society, bringing together singers of all ages and abilities. A prolific composer, especially of choral pieces and songs, he wrote in an engaging style that delighted performers and audiences alike. His works in all genres were well crafted, often characterised by lively, syncopated rhythms and abundant melodic appeal.
In 1996 he launched a series of recordings of Light Music Classics (four of British music, one of European and one of American) with his New London Orchestra. The British discs featured the signature tunes to such classic radio and television programmes as The Archers, Music While You Work, Dr Finlay’s Casebook and Desert Island Discs, with scores by Eric Coates, Ronald Binge and many others. His own music, though similarly easy on the ear, was generally more serious in tone, owing much to the English choral tradition; it was also mildly dissonant, with Benjamin Britten, Holstian bitonality and Martinů among the notable influences.
