MUSICAL DIRECTOR NIGEL PERRIN
Nigel is an internationally renowned choral musician, constantly in demand as a conductor,
teacher and director of choral workshops and summer schools. He has been musical director
of the CBBC since 1990, to which he has brought his inimitable mix of energy, inspiration,
perfectionism and humour.
Nigel began his musical life as a chorister at Ely Cathedral and won a choral scholarship
to Kings College, Cambridge where he studied under Sir David Willcocks. He then became well-known
as the high voice of The King’s Singers, recording 25 albums, travelling the world
and performing with stars from Cliff Richard to Nana Mouskouri to Kiri Te Kanawa.
Here they are (right) practising star-jumps for their well-known stage routine
(photo reproduced by kind permission of the present
King's Singers)...
Fortunately for us he did not retire to a yacht in the Bahamas, but took on
the musical direction of CBBC and, later, of Exeter Festival Chorus. He also started
an elite chamber choir, Bath Camerata, which has won awards, recorded and given recitals
all over the world. He also teaches at the Wells Cathedral Specialist Music School.
Occasionally he disappears to China or Indonesia to adjudicate a music competition;
and in summer is likely to be found running choral weeks in Europe.
Marcus studied organ and harpsichord at the Royal College of Music, and became a teacher of music
and, subsequently, French. He has been Assistant Organist of Bath Abbey since 1974 and given recitals
in many cathedrals at home and abroad. Sometimes our concerts get a huge boost from having him give
a virtuoso performance. A brilliant pianist too, he works tirelessly as our accompanist,
occasionally deputising for Nigel when he brings his wry and dry sense of humour to bear
on the serious business of ‘warming up’. Marcus is occasionally described in reviews
as being ‘dependable’; but, in truth, he is far more than that to us. He is essential.
Appointed from September 2009, Adrienne comes to us with an excellent track record of conducting and managing children's choirs, directing shows and performing as both a classical soprano soloist and as one half of a keyboard/vocal jazz duo. Originally trained in Scotland, she taught music, piano and singing at Dunblane High School whose choir she led to the final of the Sainsbury's Choir of the Year competition. During this period she made many solo appearances with choirs throughout central Scotland, including oratorio performances and concerts in St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh and the Albert Halls in Stirling. She joined Bath High in 1990, and in 2000 formed and conducted the children's choir for Mahler's 8th Symphony at the Bath Festival. She has recently relinquished the role of Head of Performing Arts at the Royal High Junior School in order to pursue new challenges and directions - and we are delighted to be one of these! Adrienne has a wealth of ideas for taking our ebullient Junior Choir forward, including working on a diverse repertoire that will encompass both classical and contemporary music.
