Guy Turner

Guy Turner is the composer of Tequila Samba (Encores for Choirs – OUP) and arranger of Over the Rainbow (In the Mood – OUP), both of which have become standards of the light choral repertoire. Although known for his lighter repertoire, he has also composed a range of more serious concert and sacred music. Choral singers, conductors and performers of comic songs may be interested in investigating the rest of his compositions.

As a composer, he has specialised in choral and vocal music, in both serious and light idioms. He has had a long relationship with the international close harmony group Cantabile, and has also written for the stage, notably his musical version of Terry Pratchett's Wyrd Sisters.

Apart from the two OUP standards above, a number of Guy's pieces are published by Recital Music. The rest of the repertoire listed on this site is available direct from the composer. You can email for single copies, or for a copy-master with permission to reproduce an agreed number of copies.

Guy Turner was born in 1955, and studied music at Cambridge where he sang in Clare Chapel Choir under John Rutter. He went on to found the Tudor Singers, who appeared on radio and TV, and to conduct a range of choral societies and church and chamber choirs. He was involved in establishing the County Youth Choirs for both Surrey and Somerset. He has taught music in Comprehensive Schools, Further Education and the private sector, and was most recently Director of Music at St John the Baptist, Yeovil for seven years.

In September 2008 he moved to the Midlands to take up posts as a lay-clerk in the Choir ofSouthwell Minster. He now splits his time between singing, composing and freelance teaching.