The Music Team
Our Musical Director is John Stuart, who says,
"Music has always played a very important part in my life. In the course of my career I have:
- taught music in secondary schools
- taught brass as a peripatetic teacher
- held positions as a church organist since the age of 15
- conducted a male voice choir for 40 years
- played in and conducted brass bands
- been the MD of an operatic society
- deputised as the conductor of a choral society
After moving to York in 2012, I was appointed as the organist of the two Parish Churches at Poppleton, I joined the York RI Golden Rail Brass Band as principal bass and also joined the York Musical Society.
It was when Margaret Garvey, the MD of the choir, became ill I was asked at very short notice in February 2019 if I would conduct In Harmony at the York Community Choirs’ Festival. Shortly after that I was appointed as the MD and I have had the privilege of working with this amazing choir ever since."
Our Accompanist and Deputy Conductor is Tamsin Holding who says,
"I have been the accompanist for In Harmony for many years and also take rehearsals when required. I am also:-
- an experienced accompanist for music exams
- the lead accompanist for the WMA Music Summer School
- the Musical Director and founder of the Barmby Moor Community Choir
- the pianist with Northern Winds
- the organist of three churches and regularly available to cover for weddings, celebrations and funerals in East Yorkshire.
I like playing all sorts of music, with piano recitals and playing with chamber groups being the activities which I very much enjoy. This included playing Ukrainian music in a series of annual concerts in aid of Ukrainian humanitarian relief."
Quote from a choir member:
"It's our good fortune to have John and Tamsin working their magic with us, and
because of their talent and professionalism., we are such a lucky choir!"
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