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| Founded
in 1971, this is a friendly and busy choir of some 70
voices. In May 2009 we welcomed our new Director of
Music, Nick Concannon Hodges. |
Nick Concannon
Hodges
Musical Director
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Nick studied at
the Royal College of Music and with various Scandinavian
teachers, including the internationally renowned
pedagogue, Jorma Panula. He made his conducting debut
with the Thames Concert Orchestra in 2004 and whilst in
London worked with I Maestri of London, the Westminster
Orchestra and Sinfonia da Capo. As a choral conductor,
he directed the Peoples’ Proms Chorus, Staines and
received regular invitations to work with the choir of
St Peter’s Church, Staines.
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Following his move
to Manchester in 2006, Nick now conducts the Burnley
Municipal Orchestra and Chorus, Todmorden Orchestra, and
the Pennine Spring Music Orchestra.Nick has a strong
interest in contemporary music and was involved with the
Presteigne Festival for 10 years in which time he met
and worked with a large number of composers. He has
conducted the world premieres of pieces by John Reeman
and Lawrence Killian.
Music education
plays an important role in Nick’s work and he conducts
the North East Derbyshire Music Centre’s Chamber
Orchestra, coaches string ensembles and orchestras for
the Lake District Summer Music Festival as well as
teaching individuals.
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From
1975 to 2009 the choir was under the direction
of David Johnson.
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ANDY DONALDSON
Accompanist
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Andrew Donaldson is an
accomplished musician and, until recently, was Head of
Music at All Hallows School, Macclesfield. Under his
baton the school choirs gave many prestigious concerts,
both in the UK and abroad. Of particular pride was
an invitation to sing in the Albert Hall in
1999.
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Since the untimely death of his son Martyn on 17th September 2002 at the age of
just 30, Andy, together with his family and friends,
established the 'Martyn Donaldson Music Trust'. The objective
was to celebrate Martyn’s life and provide a lasting
legacy to his achievements, dreams and ambitions. More information on
the Trust and its forthcoming events can be found
at http://www.mdmt.org.uk/.
Congleton Choral
Society are indeed fortunate to have secured
Andy's talents as the Society's accompanist.
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Major
works performed since 1975
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We perform 3 main concerts a year, Spring, Autumn and Christmas. The
choir is invited to sing an Advent Service each year at our President,
Sir Bernard Lovell's local Church at Swettenham, and a Good Friday
service/concert at a local church.
In addition we are a regular guest choir for weekend services at
various cathedrals, and occasionally have overseas trips.
'The
church of St Mary at Astbury is one of the most beautiful in the
county. Its exterior, dominated by the detached tower and lofty spire,
evokes the admiration of the beholder and this is increased when the
majesty of the interior is surveyed.' So wrote Raymond Richards in his
book 'Old Cheshire Churches.' Congleton Choral Society is
privileged to perform in such majestic surroundings, and is most
grateful to the Rector, Rev. Dr. Jeff Cuttell, for making the Society
so welcome.
The
Victorian Gothic architecture of Congleton Town Hall dominates the
skyline. The present building was erected in 1864, at a cost of
£8,000, and to a design of Mr E W Godwin. It was opened to
the public on 11th July 1866.
Over the years it has
suffered many 'improvements'.
Typical of these was the erection of a false ceiling in the 1960's,
covering up the magnificent hammer-beams in the roof. However, thanks
to the energies of local visionaries, the Town Hall is now restored to
its former glory. Its wonderful features - including a stone minstrels'
gallery - are on view to all.
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