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 : Morfudd Sinclair
Born near Bangor, North Wales, Morfudd graduated with honours in music from the University of Wales, Bangor, and following her PGCE moved to Aberdeen and Edinburgh where she taught music at several primary and secondary schools. Moving to Stourport on Severn in 1985 she taught in various schools until her retirement from Baxter College in 2009. Morfudd has been accompanist to the Kidderminster Valentines for many years and is a talented composer and arranger.
Deputy 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 has been doing for a Halesowen choir since 1985 and she is currently the rehearsal accompanist for Kidderminster Operatic and Dramatic Society. In March 2018 she joined the Valentines as Deputy Accompanist, a role she is thoroughly enjoying.
Our Committee
Chair – Doreen Harkins Tel: 01562 825426
Vice Chair and Social Media Manager – Carol Woolley email:kidderminstervalentines@gmail.com
Secretary – Jenny Raftery Tel: 07825599740
Bookings Officer – Sue Wombell Tel: 07729888682
Treasurer – Julia Lockwood Tel: 07751066736
Ticket Officer – Judy Morris Tel: 01562 751753