Biography
We are all a product of our experiences, and I am lucky to have had a very varied and exciting musical upbringing: as an adolescent I was encouraged and inspired by the musicians and dancers of my local morris dancing group, The Ironmen and Severn Guilders. An interesting and well grounded education at school and particularly at New College then gave me access to the fertile and vibrant musical environment of Durham University where I honed my creative skills. I still perform and compose within the fields of folk and classical music:
As a folk musician I was a founder member of Ceilidhography along with melodeon player Simon Bannister; between 2002 and 2016 I performed with Ceilidhography at many of the UK's biggest folk festivals, including Sidmouth, Warwick, Shrewsbury and Towersey. I also performed with several of the top folk artists in the country as part of the band for Morris Offspring at Cecil Sharp House in London.
As a classical musician, I have performed with several concert bands and chamber groups, amongst others conducting the Durham University Concert Band for two years whilst a student. More recently singing has become a key focus and between 2010 and 2017 I sang tenor with the Gallery Singers, during which time they became a multi-awarding chamber choir with a fabulous reputation. It was with heavy heart that I had to stop singing with them regularly as I and my family moved to Spain, but I have kept up contact with them and am delighted to be involved in their "Decade concert" in March 2020 as they perform together for the 100th time. But, of course, as one door closes, new doors open...
My move to Spain has been exciting and thoroughly enjoyable, but my professional role as Head of Music at the Laude British School of Vila-real has had to be my focus thus far. A new ceilidh band and a folk/acoustic pop combo have both been interesting divertissements in my time here amid the wealth of Spanish and Valencian culture, and I am also learning to play the dolcaina as my family become more involved in the traditions of Muixeranga (castle building).
New musical endeavours are always welcome and if you have an opportunity you would like to discuss please don't hesitate to contact me through the contact page.