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.
ACCOMPANIST MARCUS SEALY
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.
CONDUCTOR JUNIOR CHOIR JAMIE KNIGHTS
Jamie was a scholar at Wells Cathedral School and gained a First Class Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music at Bath Spa University. He is a widely respected musician, always in demand in the cultural city of Bath. He has been associated with the City of Bath Bach Junior Choir at its conception as their accompanist. Jamie is Kingswood School’s permanent “Musician-in-Residence” and is currently a singing tutor at Curtain Up! Theatre School.
