About Harlequin Chamber Choir

Harlequin was set up with the intention of remaining a small, well-balanced mixed-voice ensemble for gifted choristers looking for a satisfying choral singing experience. Since its inception in 2013 it has grown rapidly and has attracted singers from Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire, and from as far afield as London and Brighton.

As well as its own concerts, the ensemble is often booked as a semi-chorus in larger-scale choral works, and contributes to the concert programmes of fellow chamber groups, such as Surrey Brass. With all this, plus weddings, competitions, charity events and recording sessions, Harlequin is a busy choir.

The ensemble presents a diverse range of repertoire throughout the year, from Renaissance to Contemporary, Romantic to pop classic arrangements. Harlequin’s primary focus is to offer communicative performances of a high standard. It has a flexible approach to performance, allowing the music to suggest whether to sing from memory, with choreography, conducted or unconducted and with a mixture of both accompanied and a cappella material to form interesting programmes.

The choir started life around a piano at the home of David and Rachel Musgrove in Cranleigh, Surrey. With Catherine’s appointment in January 2014, Harlequin moved to the recital hall at Cranleigh School.

Harlequin presented its inaugural concert to a packed auditorium at Cranleigh School in May 2014. In September of that year the choir celebrated its first anniversary with a concert at the Electric Theatre in Guildford. Since then, the choir was invited to perform in the Haslemere Festival, the London Brandenburg Music Festival and the Brighton Fringe in rapid succession, as well as performing regularly on home turf in Cranleigh and Bramley.

To find out more about Harlequin Chamber Choir you are invited to sign up for our newsletter by contacting rachel@harlequinchamberchoir.org.uk or by visiting our website, harlequinchamberchoir.org.uk. If you are a Facebooker then please follow us on facebook.com/harlequinchamberchoir.

Over The

Rainbow

Conducted by Catherine Beddison

Music Director: Catherine Beddison

Harlequin’s music director Catherine Beddison is Chief Executive for charity Sing for Pleasure. Through the charity she is instrumental in running a highly-respected conductors’ programme designed to enable choral conductors to get the best from their choirs. The charity also trains young conductors to improve their skills. Catherine conducts at Sing for Pleasure’s singing events and contributes to its range of songbooks.

She is Head of Prep School Music within the 7–18 music framework at Cranleigh School in Surrey, is part of the the team for the ever-popular Farnham Youth Choir and also co-conducts Cranleigh Choral Society.

Catherine lives in Cranleigh with husband Rowland and daughter Cecilia.

Accompanist: Martin Hollister

Martin Hollister studied music at Dartington College of Arts where, in his own words, he somehow managed to win a Concerto Prize but failed miserably in his secret ambition to play in a rock band.

In 30 years at the BBC, Martin worked as a sound engineer before moving into management, most recently leading the technical department responsible for BBC Radio’s sound for everything from Glastonbury to Wimbledon, from the Olympics to the Proms, as well as State events including Royal Weddings and Funerals.

Having recently decided to give up the daily commute, Martin hopes to spend more time cooking, playing the piano and finally getting around to learning the organ properly.

Sopranos

Angela Hook Favourite track on the CD? Wassail! A joy to sing!

Angela Jones Favourite composers? Byrd, Palestrina, Bach and now Purcell.

Jen Sanders Other activities? Swimming, cycling and running—often singing at the same time!

Ruth Wilson-Parr Challenges? A small a cappella choir versus solos in large-scale choral works.

Altos

Sall Baring Favourite musical genre? Punk. Favourite food? Bacon butty on white.

Hannah Davidson Other musical activities? Teaching secondary music and training as a conductor with Sing for Pleasure.

Rachel Musgrove Has a problem with? My jazz hands!

Helen Richardson When not singing? I like to play Billy Mayerl, either on my 78 or the piano.

Nick Tudor Also sings in? Guildford Cathedral Choir and Chester Cathedral Choir.

Tenors

Peter Larcombe Also likes? Edwardiana. I have a smoking jacket, an aspidistra and a little hat with a tassel.

David Musgrove Favourite singer? My wife!

Nick Tollemache Special talents? Perfect pitch.

Basses

Thomas Lydon Favourite track? You Are the New Day. I emailed this one straight to my wife.

Steve Sargent Other interests? Trumpet playing, directing The Petersfield Choir. Oh, and welding.

Stuart White Other musical activities? Organising the concert series at Holy Trinity, Bramley.

John Wright Also performs with? The Royal Choral Society.