Richard Syner has worked as a professional musician since leaving school. He is currently part of the organists’ team at St Peter’s and All Saints Nottingham and has worked as a pianist for Birmingham Royal Ballet education department for twenty years. When parenting two young children he founded Tamarisk Parents’ Choir which has notched up over a hundred performances in various venues from Clay Mills Pumping Station to Calke Abbey to raise money for Jessie’s Fund, a charity bringing music to children in hospitals, hospices and other care settings. A keen composer, he has written or arranged over a hundred works for organ and for choir. He is secretary of Lichfield and District Organists’ Association which organises educational events and visits to organs of interest and historical significance; membership is open to anyone with an interest in the organ whether or not they are players.
Musical director
Sophie Hawthorn has sung in choirs from a young age and having studied Music at the University of Birmingham, she's had ample opportunity to sing with many talented choirs and groups. She brings with her 6+ years experience as a choral conductor. Previously a skilled music teacher offering nearly a decade's worth of experience as an educator, leader and performer. She has extensive experience of choirs and choral settings leading to a wide knowledge of repertoire from various genres. Sophie is keen to grow and inspire the choir!
Commenting on her appointment Sophie said, 'Being the musical director of a choir is a privilege: people entrust you with their love of making music in the hope that you bring out the best in them and engage them with music they can fall in love with. Whenever I work with a choir, I endeavour to achieve this through my expertise and my own love and extensive knowledge of choral singing. I am very much looking forward to the opportunity to direct this choir, with a great respect for its longstanding history and place in the community.'