David Johnson studied Organ and Cello at Trinity College of Music, London and continued his organ studies with Roger Fisher at Chester Cathedral, where he also gave a number of recitals. As a vocalist he sang with the Britten Singers, the William Byrd Singers, and the BBC Northern Singers, appearing frequently on radio and television.

He was Musical Director of Congleton Choral Society for 34 years, handing over his baton in May 2009. During his time in charge, the Society performed a wide range of music – from performances of ‘Monteverdi Vespers of 1610’, through a number of Bach ‘B Minor Masses’ and ‘St John Passions’, Mozart ‘Requiems’, Haydn ‘Creations’ and Mendelssohn ‘Elijahs’, to David Fanshawe’s ‘African Sanctus’ (in the presence of the composer) and Karl Jenkins ‘The Armed Man’. To a packed last concert, he bowed out by conducting his favourite work, the ‘Requiem Mass’ by Mozart. But not before putting the assembled dignitaries through their paces with a performance of Haydn’s ‘Toy Symphony’, with the toy instruments being played by two Mayors, local MP Ann Winterton, and the Deputy Lieutenant for Cheshire Margaret Williamson.

David also founded and conducted the chamber group ‘Cantilena’ which, as well as performing concerts in the North West, was the backing group for a number of TV Adverts, including those for the relief of headaches and migraine !!

As thanks for his contribution to the musical life of the town, he was award the ‘Certificate of Excellence’ by the Mayor and Town Council, invited to the Queen’s Garden Party, and had a personal tour of the Houses of Parliament by Congleton’s MP Lady Ann Winterton.