I like to take risks - I enjoy a challenge!
I was lucky to go to an exceptionally good school in Hemel Hempstead when it was a New Town. It had a good reputation for the arts – I took up piano and sang in the school choir and performing in a number of concerts. I had a very good and wide-ranging education at a time when the world was still optimistic.
I’ve sung quite consistently in choral societies but had a fairly long gap with my career and the need to earn money. Since retirement I’ve been running Cambridge Modern Jazz for the last 15 years – attracting national and international artists – with three seasons a year and a gig every month.
My wife had sung in some of the performances of the Royston Choral Society and, in retirement, I had a bit more time and decided to do more risk-taking – so I joined the choir! I performed in the Christmas concert and feel the choir is of a high standard, tackling difficult works which appeals to me – I’m enjoying the challenge. I’ve sung a number of requiems, but not the Brahms. I love the Verdi Requiem for its open and accessible style.
The experience of singing with the choir is very rewarding. I’m regaining my skills at sight-reading and pitching my voice and I’m feeling quite fulfilled that we’re tackling a quite difficult work and I’m making progress.