The success of the choir is due to hard work and commitment of its singing members however our Musical Director and Accompanists make a fundamental contribution to our performance standards and the high quality that we maintain. Below is a brief profile of each of our team.

Musical Director: Jane Richardson

In 1993, Jane was accepted into the Royal College of Music, London, as a Foundation Scholar where she was taught voice as first study by Margaret Cable. Whilst at the college, she won many competitions for recitals, and took part in Master classes with Sarah Walker, Michael Chance and Jane Manning. She was also a member of the Royal College of Music Chamber Choir, under the direction of Paul Spicer.

Whilst at the college, as well as the many recitals Jane gave, she took the role of solo soprano in many works including:

• Handel’s Messiah, performed at Winchester Cathedral, under the direction of David Hill.
• Carmina Burana, performed at Winchester with the Waynflete Singers, under the direction of David Hill
• Mozart’s Requiem, performed at Canterbury Cathedral, under the direction of Richard Cooke.
• Mahler’s VIII Symphony, performed at the Royal Albert Hall, and touring Lille, under the direction of Richard Cooke
• Poulenc Gloria, under the direction of Sir David Wilcocks

Since leaving the College, she has pursued an active teaching career – teaching voice, pianoforte, valved brass and music theory, grades 1-8 both privately and at Winterfold House School and Tardebigge First School.

Principal Accompanist : Frances Gibbs

Born in Bradford and attending the Girls Grammar School, Fran was left a piano in a will. She started lessons aged 11, progressing through the grades and successfully competing in local music festivals. Fran trained in Birmingham as a Physiotherapist and worked in paediatrics in both Birmingham and Worcestershire, but has continued to give piano and theory lessons to both children and adults including her own children and grandchildren.

Fran’s great love is accompanying, which she did for many years with the Crescent Singers and Halycon Voices in Halesowen. She has also been rehearsal pianist for Kidderminster Operatic and Dramatic Society until she joined the Valentines as Deputy Accompanist in March 2018, a role she thoroughly enjoys.

Fran took the position of Principal accompanist in June 2025. 

 

Our Committee

Chair – Jane Smith Tel: 07800 889768

Vice Chair – Pam Booton Tel: 07891 664 621

Secretary – Ellie Reynolds Tel: 07306033470  email: Kidderminstervalentines@gmail.com

Bookings Officer – Christine Sankey Landline: 01299 266701 Mobile : 07710024902 

Treasurer – Julia Lockwood Tel: 07751066736

Stage Manager – Pat Thackery Tel: 07947180342

Ticket Officer – Judy Morris  Tel: 01562 751753