One of the most influential musicians in Maidstone in the last 50 years will be remembered at two summer concerts by his friends and fellow musicians this month.

The Maidstone Singers will pay tribute to their music director, Jeffrey Vaughan Martin, who died in April, at the specially arranged dates in Maidstone and West Malling, which include one of his favourite pieces.

Music director of Maidstone Choral Union for 34 years, Jeffrey also founded many music groups in the area, including Kent Youth Wind Orchestra, Kent County Junior Choir, Maidstone Youth Music Society, the Maidstone Youth Singers, the Maidstone Singers and the West Malling Community Choir, as well as co-founding Jupiter Workshops with Jane Anderson.

He formed the Maidstone Singers in 1998 and they have gone on to perform across Europe.

Ken Scott, from Maidstone Area Arts Partnership and a Singers’ trustee, said: “We will dedicate our June concert which will involve one of his favourite works – Karl Jenkin’s Stabat Mater, to him.

“Jeffrey was proud of the Maidstone Singers, and we are proud to have been his friends and musical colleagues. Jeffrey was never simply a music director, and that was also true of his role with the Maidstone Singers. He was the most energetic and inspirational leader who achieved the highest standards from everyone who worked with him. He is greatly missed.”

The first will be held at All Saints’ Church in Maidstone on Sunday, June 19 at 7.30pm, featuring soloist Stephanie Crooks and conducted by Ciara Considine. The second will be at St Mary’s Church, West Malling, on Saturday, June 25 at 3pm.

Tickets £12, with under 18s free, from 01622 630016 or by emailing tickets@themaidstonesingers.co.uk