Overgate Hospice Choir
Encyclopedia
The Overgate Hospice Choir is based in Halifax
, West Yorkshire
and, through performances, raises money for Overgate Hospice http://www.overgatehospice.org.uk in Elland
, West Yorkshire
. It is notable because, as far as is known, Overgate was the first Hospice to have its own Choir
, formed specifically for the purpose of raising money for the Hospice
. Other such groups have followed, of course, but Overgate was the very first in that particular field.
Overgate Hospice Choir was formed in 1991 by Phillip Taylor and Donald Maxwell-Timmins for the purpose of participating in the prototype event in the mighty Voices for Hospices enterprise launched that Autumn. The involvement of the Halifax Choral Society
at the Wakefield Cathedral
VFH that year meant that Halifax
, with a Hospice
at Elland
, would not be able to feature in the nation-wide effort unless a Choir were to be formed specifically for the purpose.
Its first Conductor was Donald Maxwell-Timmins and his wife Margaret served as accompanist in the early years. Following the retirement of both Mr & Mrs Maxwell-Timmins in 1997, the Leeds-based conductor
and organist
Dr Simon Lindley
http://www.simonlindley.org.uk, a past President of the Royal College of Organists
,became the Choir’s Music Director. Accompanists since then have included Rowland Moseley and Jonathan Lilley from Leeds and, for a more extended period, Wakefield Cathedral
’s Thomas Moore. Alan Horsey was recently appointed to succeed Mr Moore as accompanist, and took up his post in Summer of 2009.
Guest conductors over the years have included Dr Donald Hunt OBE, Conductor of the Halifax Choral Society
from 1957 to 1988 and a former Director of Music at Leeds Parish Church
and Worcester Cathedral
and Dr Gordon Stewart http://www.gordonstewart.org of Huddersfield
Town Hall, an acclaimed Music Director of BBC
Radio and Television religious programmes including Songs of Praise
on BBC 1. Among organists who have played for the Choir may be numbered Philip C Tordoff, Organist of Halifax Minster since 1971, who played for many of the concerts in the early years and David Houlder http://www.davidhoulder.org from Leeds Parish Church
as well as the Choir’s own accompanists over the years, Jonathan Lilley and Thomas Moore. Regular vocal soloists since the early and mid 1990s include Claire Strafford, Anita Wiencelewski, Kathryn Woodruff, Paul Dutton and Quentin Brown.
Overgate Hospice Choir is a choir of 80 mixed voices presenting four concerts a year of music from the standard choral repertoire, along with Christmas Carols, Hymns, Opera Choruses and Songs from the Shows.
The Overgate Hospice Choir is based in Halifax
, West Yorkshire
and, through performances, raises money for Overgate Hospice http://www.overgatehospice.org.uk in Elland
, West Yorkshire
Halifax Evening Courier 6/6/11 "Choir hit a high note in anniversary year" . It is notable because, as far as is known, Overgate was the first Hospice to have its own Choir
, formed specifically for the purpose of raising money for the Hospice
. Other such groups have followed, of course, but Overgate was the very first in that particular field.
Overgate Hospice Choir was formed in 1991 by Phillip Taylor and Donald Maxwell-Timmins for the purpose of participating in the prototype event in the mighty Voices for Hospices enterprise launched that Autumn. The involvement of the Halifax Choral Society
at the Wakefield Cathedral
VFH that year meant that Halifax
, with a Hospice
at Elland
, would not be able to feature in the nation-wide effort unless a Choir were to be formed specifically for the purpose.
Its first Conductor was Donald Maxwell-Timmins and his wife Margaret served as accompanist in the early years. Following the retirement of both Mr & Mrs Maxwell-Timmins in 1997, the Leeds-based conductor
and organist
Dr Simon Lindley
http://www.simonlindley.org.uk, a past President of the Royal College of Organists
,became the Choir’s Music Director. Accompanists since then have included Rowland Moseley and Jonathan Lilley from Leeds and, for a more extended period, Wakefield Cathedral
’s Thomas Moore. Alan Horsey was recently appointed to succeed Mr Moore as accompanist, and took up his post in Summer of 2009.
Guest conductors over the years have included Dr Donald Hunt OBE, Conductor of the Halifax Choral Society
from 1957 to 1988 and a former Director of Music at Leeds Parish Church
and Worcester Cathedral
and Dr Gordon Stewart http://www.gordonstewart.org of Huddersfield
Town Hall, an acclaimed Music Director of BBC
Radio and Television religious programmes including Songs of Praise
on BBC 1. Among organists who have played for the Choir may be numbered Philip C Tordoff, Organist of Halifax Minster since 1971, who played for many of the concerts in the early years and David Houlder http://www.davidhoulder.org from Leeds Parish Church
as well as the Choir’s own accompanists over the years, Jonathan Lilley and Thomas Moore. Regular vocal soloists since the early and mid 1990s include Claire Strafford, Anita Wiencelewski, Kathryn Woodruff, Paul Dutton and Quentin Brown.
Overgate Hospice Choir is a choir of 80 mixed voices presenting four concerts a year of music from the standard choral repertoire,Halifax Evening Courier 25/10/11 Derek Greenwood "A night of contrasts from one composer" along with Christmas Carols,Halifax Evening Courier 22/12/09 Gordon Sampson "A stirring singalong" Hymns,Halifax Evening Courier 21/3/11 Gordon Sampson "A £200,000 sing" Opera ChorusesHalifax Evening Courier 15/6/11 Julia Anderson " Gondoliers a musical success" and Songs from the Shows.
The Overgate Hospice Choir is based in Halifax
, West Yorkshire
and, through performances, raises money for Overgate Hospice http://www.overgatehospice.org.uk in Elland
, West Yorkshire
Halifax Evening Courier 6/6/11 "Choir hit a high note in anniversary year" . It is notable because, as far as is known, Overgate was the first Hospice to have its own Choir
, formed specifically for the purpose of raising money for the Hospice
. Other such groups have followed, of course, but Overgate was the very first in that particular field.
Overgate Hospice Choir was formed in 1991 by Phillip Taylor and Donald Maxwell-Timmins for the purpose of participating in the prototype event in the mighty Voices for Hospices enterprise launched that Autumn. The involvement of the Halifax Choral Society
at the Wakefield Cathedral
VFH that year meant that Halifax
, with a Hospice
at Elland
, would not be able to feature in the nation-wide effort unless a Choir were to be formed specifically for the purpose.
Its first Conductor was Donald Maxwell-Timmins and his wife Margaret served as accompanist in the early years. Following the retirement of both Mr & Mrs Maxwell-Timmins in 1997, the Leeds-based conductor
and organist
Dr Simon Lindley
http://www.simonlindley.org.uk, a past President of the Royal College of Organists
,became the Choir’s Music Director. Accompanists since then have included Rowland Moseley and Jonathan Lilley from Leeds and, for a more extended period, Wakefield Cathedral
’s Thomas Moore. Alan Horsey was recently appointed to succeed Mr Moore as accompanist, and took up his post in Summer of 2009.
Guest conductors over the years have included Dr Donald Hunt OBE, Conductor of the Halifax Choral Society
from 1957 to 1988 and a former Director of Music at Leeds Parish Church
and Worcester Cathedral
and Dr Gordon Stewart http://www.gordonstewart.org of Huddersfield
Town Hall, an acclaimed Music Director of BBC
Radio and Television religious programmes including Songs of Praise
on BBC 1. Among organists who have played for the Choir may be numbered Philip C Tordoff, Organist of Halifax Minster since 1971, who played for many of the concerts in the early years and David Houlder http://www.davidhoulder.org from Leeds Parish Church
as well as the Choir’s own accompanists over the years, Jonathan Lilley and Thomas Moore. Regular vocal soloists since the early and mid 1990s include Claire Strafford, Anita Wiencelewski, Kathryn Woodruff, Paul Dutton and Quentin Brown.
Overgate Hospice Choir is a choir of 80 mixed voices presenting four concerts a year of music from the standard choral repertoire,Halifax Evening Courier 25/10/11 Derek Greenwood "A night of contrasts from one composer" along with Christmas Carols,Halifax Evening Courier 22/12/09 Gordon Sampson "A stirring singalong" Hymns,Halifax Evening Courier 21/3/11 Gordon Sampson "A £200,000 sing" Opera ChorusesHalifax Evening Courier 15/6/11 Julia Anderson " Gondoliers a musical success" and Songs from the Shows.Halifax Evening Courier 2/6/09 Gordon Sampson "Serenade for Spring"
The Overgate Hospice Choir is based in Halifax
, West Yorkshire
and, through performances, raises money for Overgate Hospice http://www.overgatehospice.org.uk in Elland
, West Yorkshire
Halifax Evening Courier 6/6/11 "Choir hit a high note in anniversary year" . It is notable because, as far as is known, Overgate was the first Hospice to have its own Choir
, formed specifically for the purpose of raising money for the Hospice
. Other such groups have followed, of course, but Overgate was the very first in that particular field.
Overgate Hospice Choir was formed in 1991 by Phillip Taylor and Donald Maxwell-Timmins for the purpose of participating in the prototype event in the mighty Voices for Hospices enterprise launched that Autumn. The involvement of the Halifax Choral Society
at the Wakefield Cathedral
VFH that year meant that Halifax
, with a Hospice
at Elland
, would not be able to feature in the nation-wide effort unless a Choir were to be formed specifically for the purpose.
Its first Conductor was Donald Maxwell-Timmins and his wife Margaret served as accompanist in the early years. Following the retirement of both Mr & Mrs Maxwell-Timmins in 1997, the Leeds-based conductor
and organist
Dr Simon Lindley
http://www.simonlindley.org.uk, a past President of the Royal College of Organists
,became the Choir’s Music Director. Accompanists since then have included Rowland Moseley and Jonathan Lilley from Leeds and, for a more extended period, Wakefield Cathedral
’s Thomas Moore. Alan Horsey was recently appointed to succeed Mr Moore as accompanist, and took up his post in Summer of 2009.
Guest conductors over the years have included Dr Donald Hunt OBE, Conductor of the Halifax Choral Society
from 1957 to 1988 and a former Director of Music at Leeds Parish Church
and Worcester Cathedral
and Dr Gordon Stewart http://www.gordonstewart.org of Huddersfield
Town Hall, an acclaimed Music Director of BBC
Radio and Television religious programmes including Songs of Praise
on BBC 1. Among organists who have played for the Choir may be numbered Philip C Tordoff, Organist of Halifax Minster since 1971, who played for many of the concerts in the early years and David Houlder http://www.davidhoulder.org from Leeds Parish Church
as well as the Choir’s own accompanists over the years, Jonathan Lilley and Thomas Moore. Regular vocal soloists since the early and mid 1990s include Claire Strafford, Anita Wiencelewski, Kathryn Woodruff, Paul Dutton and Quentin Brown.
Overgate Hospice Choir is a choir of 80 mixed voices presenting four concerts a year of music from the standard choral repertoire,Halifax Evening Courier 25/10/11 Derek Greenwood "A night of contrasts from one composer" along with Christmas Carols,Halifax Evening Courier 22/12/09 Gordon Sampson "A stirring singalong" Hymns,Halifax Evening Courier 21/3/11 Gordon Sampson "A £200,000 sing" Opera ChorusesHalifax Evening Courier 15/6/11 Julia Anderson " Gondoliers a musical success" and Songs from the Shows.Halifax Evening Courier 2/6/09 Gordon Sampson "Serenade for Spring"
The Overgate Hospice Choir is based in Halifax
, West Yorkshire
and, through performances, raises money for Overgate Hospice http://www.overgatehospice.org.uk in Elland
, West Yorkshire
Halifax Evening Courier 6/6/11 "Choir hit a high note in anniversary year" . It is notable because, as far as is known, Overgate was the first Hospice to have its own Choir
, formed specifically for the purpose of raising money for the Hospice
. Other such groups have followed, of course, but Overgate was the very first in that particular field.
Overgate Hospice Choir was formed in 1991 by Phillip Taylor and Donald Maxwell-Timmins for the purpose of participating in the prototype event in the mighty Voices for Hospices enterprise launched that Autumn. The involvement of the Halifax Choral Society
at the Wakefield Cathedral
VFH that year meant that Halifax
, with a Hospice
at Elland
, would not be able to feature in the nation-wide effort unless a Choir were to be formed specifically for the purpose.
Its first Conductor was Donald Maxwell-Timmins and his wife Margaret served as accompanist in the early years. Following the retirement of both Mr & Mrs Maxwell-Timmins in 1997, the Leeds-based conductor
and organist
Dr Simon Lindley
http://www.simonlindley.org.uk, a past President of the Royal College of Organists
,became the Choir’s Music Director. Accompanists since then have included Rowland Moseley and Jonathan Lilley from Leeds and, for a more extended period, Wakefield Cathedral
’s Thomas Moore. Alan Horsey was recently appointed to succeed Mr Moore as accompanist, and took up his post in Summer of 2009.
Guest conductors over the years have included Dr Donald Hunt OBE, Conductor of the Halifax Choral Society
from 1957 to 1988 and a former Director of Music at Leeds Parish Church
and Worcester Cathedral
and Dr Gordon Stewart http://www.gordonstewart.org of Huddersfield
Town Hall, an acclaimed Music Director of BBC
Radio and Television religious programmes including Songs of Praise
on BBC 1. Among organists who have played for the Choir may be numbered Philip C Tordoff, Organist of Halifax Minster since 1971, who played for many of the concerts in the early years and David Houlder http://www.davidhoulder.org from Leeds Parish Church
as well as the Choir’s own accompanists over the years, Jonathan Lilley and Thomas Moore. Regular vocal soloists since the early and mid 1990s include Claire Strafford, Anita Wiencelewski, Kathryn Woodruff, Paul Dutton and Quentin Brown.
Overgate Hospice Choir is a choir of 80 mixed voices presenting four concerts a year of music from the standard choral repertoire,Halifax Evening Courier 25/10/11 Derek Greenwood "A night of contrasts from one composer" along with Christmas Carols,Halifax Evening Courier 22/12/09 Gordon Sampson "A stirring singalong" Hymns,Halifax Evening Courier 21/3/11 Gordon Sampson "A £200,000 sing" Opera ChorusesHalifax Evening Courier 15/6/11 Julia Anderson " Gondoliers a musical success" and Songs from the Shows.Halifax Evening Courier 2/6/09 Gordon Sampson "Serenade for Spring"
Halifax, West Yorkshire
Halifax is a minster town, within the Metropolitan Borough of Calderdale in West Yorkshire, England. It has an urban area population of 82,056 in the 2001 Census. It is well-known as a centre of England's woollen manufacture from the 15th century onward, originally dealing through the Halifax Piece...
, West Yorkshire
Yorkshire
Yorkshire is a historic county of northern England and the largest in the United Kingdom. Because of its great size in comparison to other English counties, functions have been increasingly undertaken over time by its subdivisions, which have also been subject to periodic reform...
and, through performances, raises money for Overgate Hospice http://www.overgatehospice.org.uk in Elland
Elland
Elland is a market town in Calderdale, in the county of West Yorkshire, England, south of Halifax, by the River Calder and the Calder and Hebble Navigation. The area of Elland was called Elant in the Domesday Book...
, West Yorkshire
Yorkshire
Yorkshire is a historic county of northern England and the largest in the United Kingdom. Because of its great size in comparison to other English counties, functions have been increasingly undertaken over time by its subdivisions, which have also been subject to periodic reform...
. It is notable because, as far as is known, Overgate was the first Hospice to have its own Choir
Choir
A choir, chorale or chorus is a musical ensemble of singers. Choral music, in turn, is the music written specifically for such an ensemble to perform.A body of singers who perform together as a group is called a choir or chorus...
, formed specifically for the purpose of raising money for the Hospice
Hospice
Hospice is a type of care and a philosophy of care which focuses on the palliation of a terminally ill patient's symptoms.In the United States and Canada:*Gentiva Health Services, national provider of hospice and home health services...
. Other such groups have followed, of course, but Overgate was the very first in that particular field.
Overgate Hospice Choir was formed in 1991 by Phillip Taylor and Donald Maxwell-Timmins for the purpose of participating in the prototype event in the mighty Voices for Hospices enterprise launched that Autumn. The involvement of the Halifax Choral Society
The Halifax Choral Society
Halifax Choral Society is an internationally-famous choir based in the town of Halifax in the English county of West Yorkshire. It is notable for being the oldest amateur choral society in Britain , founded in 1817 with an unbroken record of performance.The idea for the Halifax Choral Society was...
at the Wakefield Cathedral
Wakefield Cathedral
Wakefield Cathedral, formally the Cathedral Church of All Saints Wakefield is the cathedral for the Church of England's Diocese of Wakefield and is the seat of the Bishop of Wakefield. The cathedral has Anglo Saxon origins and the tallest cathedral spire in Yorkshire...
VFH that year meant that Halifax
Halifax, West Yorkshire
Halifax is a minster town, within the Metropolitan Borough of Calderdale in West Yorkshire, England. It has an urban area population of 82,056 in the 2001 Census. It is well-known as a centre of England's woollen manufacture from the 15th century onward, originally dealing through the Halifax Piece...
, with a Hospice
Hospice
Hospice is a type of care and a philosophy of care which focuses on the palliation of a terminally ill patient's symptoms.In the United States and Canada:*Gentiva Health Services, national provider of hospice and home health services...
at Elland
Elland
Elland is a market town in Calderdale, in the county of West Yorkshire, England, south of Halifax, by the River Calder and the Calder and Hebble Navigation. The area of Elland was called Elant in the Domesday Book...
, would not be able to feature in the nation-wide effort unless a Choir were to be formed specifically for the purpose.
Its first Conductor was Donald Maxwell-Timmins and his wife Margaret served as accompanist in the early years. Following the retirement of both Mr & Mrs Maxwell-Timmins in 1997, the Leeds-based conductor
Conducting
Conducting is the art of directing a musical performance by way of visible gestures. The primary duties of the conductor are to unify performers, set the tempo, execute clear preparations and beats, and to listen critically and shape the sound of the ensemble...
and organist
Organist
An organist is a musician who plays any type of organ. An organist may play solo organ works, play with an ensemble or orchestra, or accompany one or more singers or instrumental soloists...
Dr Simon Lindley
Simon Lindley
Simon Lindley is a British organist, choirmaster, conductor and composer. He has been organist at Leeds Town Hall since 1976 and Master of the Music and organist of Leeds Parish Church since 1975. Senior Lecturer in Music at Leeds Polytechnic from 1976 to 1987, Lindley held the post of Senior...
http://www.simonlindley.org.uk, a past President of the Royal College of Organists
Royal College of Organists
The Royal College of Organists or RCO, is a charity and membership organisation based in the United Kingdom, but with members around the world...
,became the Choir’s Music Director. Accompanists since then have included Rowland Moseley and Jonathan Lilley from Leeds and, for a more extended period, Wakefield Cathedral
Wakefield Cathedral
Wakefield Cathedral, formally the Cathedral Church of All Saints Wakefield is the cathedral for the Church of England's Diocese of Wakefield and is the seat of the Bishop of Wakefield. The cathedral has Anglo Saxon origins and the tallest cathedral spire in Yorkshire...
’s Thomas Moore. Alan Horsey was recently appointed to succeed Mr Moore as accompanist, and took up his post in Summer of 2009.
Guest conductors over the years have included Dr Donald Hunt OBE, Conductor of the Halifax Choral Society
The Halifax Choral Society
Halifax Choral Society is an internationally-famous choir based in the town of Halifax in the English county of West Yorkshire. It is notable for being the oldest amateur choral society in Britain , founded in 1817 with an unbroken record of performance.The idea for the Halifax Choral Society was...
from 1957 to 1988 and a former Director of Music at Leeds Parish Church
Leeds Parish Church
Leeds Parish Church, or the Parish Church of Saint Peter-at-Leeds, in Leeds, West Yorkshire is a large Church of England parish church of major architectural and liturgical significance. It has been designated a grade I listed building by English Heritage...
and Worcester Cathedral
Worcester Cathedral
Worcester Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral in Worcester, England; situated on a bank overlooking the River Severn. It is the seat of the Anglican Bishop of Worcester. Its official name is The Cathedral Church of Christ and the Blessed Mary the Virgin of Worcester...
and Dr Gordon Stewart http://www.gordonstewart.org of Huddersfield
Huddersfield
Huddersfield is a large market town within the Metropolitan Borough of Kirklees, in West Yorkshire, England, situated halfway between Leeds and Manchester. It lies north of London, and south of Bradford, the nearest city....
Town Hall, an acclaimed Music Director of BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
Radio and Television religious programmes including Songs of Praise
Songs of Praise
Songs of Praise is a BBC Television programme based around traditional Christian hymns. It is a widely watched and long-running religious television programme, one of the few peak-time free-to-air religious programmes in Europe Songs of Praise is a BBC Television programme based around traditional...
on BBC 1. Among organists who have played for the Choir may be numbered Philip C Tordoff, Organist of Halifax Minster since 1971, who played for many of the concerts in the early years and David Houlder http://www.davidhoulder.org from Leeds Parish Church
Leeds Parish Church
Leeds Parish Church, or the Parish Church of Saint Peter-at-Leeds, in Leeds, West Yorkshire is a large Church of England parish church of major architectural and liturgical significance. It has been designated a grade I listed building by English Heritage...
as well as the Choir’s own accompanists over the years, Jonathan Lilley and Thomas Moore. Regular vocal soloists since the early and mid 1990s include Claire Strafford, Anita Wiencelewski, Kathryn Woodruff, Paul Dutton and Quentin Brown.
Overgate Hospice Choir is a choir of 80 mixed voices presenting four concerts a year of music from the standard choral repertoire, along with Christmas Carols, Hymns, Opera Choruses and Songs from the Shows.
The Overgate Hospice Choir is based in Halifax
Halifax, West Yorkshire
Halifax is a minster town, within the Metropolitan Borough of Calderdale in West Yorkshire, England. It has an urban area population of 82,056 in the 2001 Census. It is well-known as a centre of England's woollen manufacture from the 15th century onward, originally dealing through the Halifax Piece...
, West Yorkshire
Yorkshire
Yorkshire is a historic county of northern England and the largest in the United Kingdom. Because of its great size in comparison to other English counties, functions have been increasingly undertaken over time by its subdivisions, which have also been subject to periodic reform...
and, through performances, raises money for Overgate Hospice http://www.overgatehospice.org.uk in Elland
Elland
Elland is a market town in Calderdale, in the county of West Yorkshire, England, south of Halifax, by the River Calder and the Calder and Hebble Navigation. The area of Elland was called Elant in the Domesday Book...
, West Yorkshire
Yorkshire
Yorkshire is a historic county of northern England and the largest in the United Kingdom. Because of its great size in comparison to other English counties, functions have been increasingly undertaken over time by its subdivisions, which have also been subject to periodic reform...
Halifax Evening Courier 6/6/11 "Choir hit a high note in anniversary year" . It is notable because, as far as is known, Overgate was the first Hospice to have its own Choir
Choir
A choir, chorale or chorus is a musical ensemble of singers. Choral music, in turn, is the music written specifically for such an ensemble to perform.A body of singers who perform together as a group is called a choir or chorus...
, formed specifically for the purpose of raising money for the Hospice
Hospice
Hospice is a type of care and a philosophy of care which focuses on the palliation of a terminally ill patient's symptoms.In the United States and Canada:*Gentiva Health Services, national provider of hospice and home health services...
. Other such groups have followed, of course, but Overgate was the very first in that particular field.
Overgate Hospice Choir was formed in 1991 by Phillip Taylor and Donald Maxwell-Timmins for the purpose of participating in the prototype event in the mighty Voices for Hospices enterprise launched that Autumn. The involvement of the Halifax Choral Society
The Halifax Choral Society
Halifax Choral Society is an internationally-famous choir based in the town of Halifax in the English county of West Yorkshire. It is notable for being the oldest amateur choral society in Britain , founded in 1817 with an unbroken record of performance.The idea for the Halifax Choral Society was...
at the Wakefield Cathedral
Wakefield Cathedral
Wakefield Cathedral, formally the Cathedral Church of All Saints Wakefield is the cathedral for the Church of England's Diocese of Wakefield and is the seat of the Bishop of Wakefield. The cathedral has Anglo Saxon origins and the tallest cathedral spire in Yorkshire...
VFH that year meant that Halifax
Halifax, West Yorkshire
Halifax is a minster town, within the Metropolitan Borough of Calderdale in West Yorkshire, England. It has an urban area population of 82,056 in the 2001 Census. It is well-known as a centre of England's woollen manufacture from the 15th century onward, originally dealing through the Halifax Piece...
, with a Hospice
Hospice
Hospice is a type of care and a philosophy of care which focuses on the palliation of a terminally ill patient's symptoms.In the United States and Canada:*Gentiva Health Services, national provider of hospice and home health services...
at Elland
Elland
Elland is a market town in Calderdale, in the county of West Yorkshire, England, south of Halifax, by the River Calder and the Calder and Hebble Navigation. The area of Elland was called Elant in the Domesday Book...
, would not be able to feature in the nation-wide effort unless a Choir were to be formed specifically for the purpose.
Its first Conductor was Donald Maxwell-Timmins and his wife Margaret served as accompanist in the early years. Following the retirement of both Mr & Mrs Maxwell-Timmins in 1997, the Leeds-based conductor
Conducting
Conducting is the art of directing a musical performance by way of visible gestures. The primary duties of the conductor are to unify performers, set the tempo, execute clear preparations and beats, and to listen critically and shape the sound of the ensemble...
and organist
Organist
An organist is a musician who plays any type of organ. An organist may play solo organ works, play with an ensemble or orchestra, or accompany one or more singers or instrumental soloists...
Dr Simon Lindley
Simon Lindley
Simon Lindley is a British organist, choirmaster, conductor and composer. He has been organist at Leeds Town Hall since 1976 and Master of the Music and organist of Leeds Parish Church since 1975. Senior Lecturer in Music at Leeds Polytechnic from 1976 to 1987, Lindley held the post of Senior...
http://www.simonlindley.org.uk, a past President of the Royal College of Organists
Royal College of Organists
The Royal College of Organists or RCO, is a charity and membership organisation based in the United Kingdom, but with members around the world...
,became the Choir’s Music Director. Accompanists since then have included Rowland Moseley and Jonathan Lilley from Leeds and, for a more extended period, Wakefield Cathedral
Wakefield Cathedral
Wakefield Cathedral, formally the Cathedral Church of All Saints Wakefield is the cathedral for the Church of England's Diocese of Wakefield and is the seat of the Bishop of Wakefield. The cathedral has Anglo Saxon origins and the tallest cathedral spire in Yorkshire...
’s Thomas Moore. Alan Horsey was recently appointed to succeed Mr Moore as accompanist, and took up his post in Summer of 2009.
Guest conductors over the years have included Dr Donald Hunt OBE, Conductor of the Halifax Choral Society
The Halifax Choral Society
Halifax Choral Society is an internationally-famous choir based in the town of Halifax in the English county of West Yorkshire. It is notable for being the oldest amateur choral society in Britain , founded in 1817 with an unbroken record of performance.The idea for the Halifax Choral Society was...
from 1957 to 1988 and a former Director of Music at Leeds Parish Church
Leeds Parish Church
Leeds Parish Church, or the Parish Church of Saint Peter-at-Leeds, in Leeds, West Yorkshire is a large Church of England parish church of major architectural and liturgical significance. It has been designated a grade I listed building by English Heritage...
and Worcester Cathedral
Worcester Cathedral
Worcester Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral in Worcester, England; situated on a bank overlooking the River Severn. It is the seat of the Anglican Bishop of Worcester. Its official name is The Cathedral Church of Christ and the Blessed Mary the Virgin of Worcester...
and Dr Gordon Stewart http://www.gordonstewart.org of Huddersfield
Huddersfield
Huddersfield is a large market town within the Metropolitan Borough of Kirklees, in West Yorkshire, England, situated halfway between Leeds and Manchester. It lies north of London, and south of Bradford, the nearest city....
Town Hall, an acclaimed Music Director of BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
Radio and Television religious programmes including Songs of Praise
Songs of Praise
Songs of Praise is a BBC Television programme based around traditional Christian hymns. It is a widely watched and long-running religious television programme, one of the few peak-time free-to-air religious programmes in Europe Songs of Praise is a BBC Television programme based around traditional...
on BBC 1. Among organists who have played for the Choir may be numbered Philip C Tordoff, Organist of Halifax Minster since 1971, who played for many of the concerts in the early years and David Houlder http://www.davidhoulder.org from Leeds Parish Church
Leeds Parish Church
Leeds Parish Church, or the Parish Church of Saint Peter-at-Leeds, in Leeds, West Yorkshire is a large Church of England parish church of major architectural and liturgical significance. It has been designated a grade I listed building by English Heritage...
as well as the Choir’s own accompanists over the years, Jonathan Lilley and Thomas Moore. Regular vocal soloists since the early and mid 1990s include Claire Strafford, Anita Wiencelewski, Kathryn Woodruff, Paul Dutton and Quentin Brown.
Overgate Hospice Choir is a choir of 80 mixed voices presenting four concerts a year of music from the standard choral repertoire,Halifax Evening Courier 25/10/11 Derek Greenwood "A night of contrasts from one composer" along with Christmas Carols,Halifax Evening Courier 22/12/09 Gordon Sampson "A stirring singalong" Hymns,Halifax Evening Courier 21/3/11 Gordon Sampson "A £200,000 sing" Opera ChorusesHalifax Evening Courier 15/6/11 Julia Anderson " Gondoliers a musical success" and Songs from the Shows.
The Overgate Hospice Choir is based in Halifax
Halifax, West Yorkshire
Halifax is a minster town, within the Metropolitan Borough of Calderdale in West Yorkshire, England. It has an urban area population of 82,056 in the 2001 Census. It is well-known as a centre of England's woollen manufacture from the 15th century onward, originally dealing through the Halifax Piece...
, West Yorkshire
Yorkshire
Yorkshire is a historic county of northern England and the largest in the United Kingdom. Because of its great size in comparison to other English counties, functions have been increasingly undertaken over time by its subdivisions, which have also been subject to periodic reform...
and, through performances, raises money for Overgate Hospice http://www.overgatehospice.org.uk in Elland
Elland
Elland is a market town in Calderdale, in the county of West Yorkshire, England, south of Halifax, by the River Calder and the Calder and Hebble Navigation. The area of Elland was called Elant in the Domesday Book...
, West Yorkshire
Yorkshire
Yorkshire is a historic county of northern England and the largest in the United Kingdom. Because of its great size in comparison to other English counties, functions have been increasingly undertaken over time by its subdivisions, which have also been subject to periodic reform...
Halifax Evening Courier 6/6/11 "Choir hit a high note in anniversary year" . It is notable because, as far as is known, Overgate was the first Hospice to have its own Choir
Choir
A choir, chorale or chorus is a musical ensemble of singers. Choral music, in turn, is the music written specifically for such an ensemble to perform.A body of singers who perform together as a group is called a choir or chorus...
, formed specifically for the purpose of raising money for the Hospice
Hospice
Hospice is a type of care and a philosophy of care which focuses on the palliation of a terminally ill patient's symptoms.In the United States and Canada:*Gentiva Health Services, national provider of hospice and home health services...
. Other such groups have followed, of course, but Overgate was the very first in that particular field.
Overgate Hospice Choir was formed in 1991 by Phillip Taylor and Donald Maxwell-Timmins for the purpose of participating in the prototype event in the mighty Voices for Hospices enterprise launched that Autumn. The involvement of the Halifax Choral Society
The Halifax Choral Society
Halifax Choral Society is an internationally-famous choir based in the town of Halifax in the English county of West Yorkshire. It is notable for being the oldest amateur choral society in Britain , founded in 1817 with an unbroken record of performance.The idea for the Halifax Choral Society was...
at the Wakefield Cathedral
Wakefield Cathedral
Wakefield Cathedral, formally the Cathedral Church of All Saints Wakefield is the cathedral for the Church of England's Diocese of Wakefield and is the seat of the Bishop of Wakefield. The cathedral has Anglo Saxon origins and the tallest cathedral spire in Yorkshire...
VFH that year meant that Halifax
Halifax, West Yorkshire
Halifax is a minster town, within the Metropolitan Borough of Calderdale in West Yorkshire, England. It has an urban area population of 82,056 in the 2001 Census. It is well-known as a centre of England's woollen manufacture from the 15th century onward, originally dealing through the Halifax Piece...
, with a Hospice
Hospice
Hospice is a type of care and a philosophy of care which focuses on the palliation of a terminally ill patient's symptoms.In the United States and Canada:*Gentiva Health Services, national provider of hospice and home health services...
at Elland
Elland
Elland is a market town in Calderdale, in the county of West Yorkshire, England, south of Halifax, by the River Calder and the Calder and Hebble Navigation. The area of Elland was called Elant in the Domesday Book...
, would not be able to feature in the nation-wide effort unless a Choir were to be formed specifically for the purpose.
Its first Conductor was Donald Maxwell-Timmins and his wife Margaret served as accompanist in the early years. Following the retirement of both Mr & Mrs Maxwell-Timmins in 1997, the Leeds-based conductor
Conducting
Conducting is the art of directing a musical performance by way of visible gestures. The primary duties of the conductor are to unify performers, set the tempo, execute clear preparations and beats, and to listen critically and shape the sound of the ensemble...
and organist
Organist
An organist is a musician who plays any type of organ. An organist may play solo organ works, play with an ensemble or orchestra, or accompany one or more singers or instrumental soloists...
Dr Simon Lindley
Simon Lindley
Simon Lindley is a British organist, choirmaster, conductor and composer. He has been organist at Leeds Town Hall since 1976 and Master of the Music and organist of Leeds Parish Church since 1975. Senior Lecturer in Music at Leeds Polytechnic from 1976 to 1987, Lindley held the post of Senior...
http://www.simonlindley.org.uk, a past President of the Royal College of Organists
Royal College of Organists
The Royal College of Organists or RCO, is a charity and membership organisation based in the United Kingdom, but with members around the world...
,became the Choir’s Music Director. Accompanists since then have included Rowland Moseley and Jonathan Lilley from Leeds and, for a more extended period, Wakefield Cathedral
Wakefield Cathedral
Wakefield Cathedral, formally the Cathedral Church of All Saints Wakefield is the cathedral for the Church of England's Diocese of Wakefield and is the seat of the Bishop of Wakefield. The cathedral has Anglo Saxon origins and the tallest cathedral spire in Yorkshire...
’s Thomas Moore. Alan Horsey was recently appointed to succeed Mr Moore as accompanist, and took up his post in Summer of 2009.
Guest conductors over the years have included Dr Donald Hunt OBE, Conductor of the Halifax Choral Society
The Halifax Choral Society
Halifax Choral Society is an internationally-famous choir based in the town of Halifax in the English county of West Yorkshire. It is notable for being the oldest amateur choral society in Britain , founded in 1817 with an unbroken record of performance.The idea for the Halifax Choral Society was...
from 1957 to 1988 and a former Director of Music at Leeds Parish Church
Leeds Parish Church
Leeds Parish Church, or the Parish Church of Saint Peter-at-Leeds, in Leeds, West Yorkshire is a large Church of England parish church of major architectural and liturgical significance. It has been designated a grade I listed building by English Heritage...
and Worcester Cathedral
Worcester Cathedral
Worcester Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral in Worcester, England; situated on a bank overlooking the River Severn. It is the seat of the Anglican Bishop of Worcester. Its official name is The Cathedral Church of Christ and the Blessed Mary the Virgin of Worcester...
and Dr Gordon Stewart http://www.gordonstewart.org of Huddersfield
Huddersfield
Huddersfield is a large market town within the Metropolitan Borough of Kirklees, in West Yorkshire, England, situated halfway between Leeds and Manchester. It lies north of London, and south of Bradford, the nearest city....
Town Hall, an acclaimed Music Director of BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
Radio and Television religious programmes including Songs of Praise
Songs of Praise
Songs of Praise is a BBC Television programme based around traditional Christian hymns. It is a widely watched and long-running religious television programme, one of the few peak-time free-to-air religious programmes in Europe Songs of Praise is a BBC Television programme based around traditional...
on BBC 1. Among organists who have played for the Choir may be numbered Philip C Tordoff, Organist of Halifax Minster since 1971, who played for many of the concerts in the early years and David Houlder http://www.davidhoulder.org from Leeds Parish Church
Leeds Parish Church
Leeds Parish Church, or the Parish Church of Saint Peter-at-Leeds, in Leeds, West Yorkshire is a large Church of England parish church of major architectural and liturgical significance. It has been designated a grade I listed building by English Heritage...
as well as the Choir’s own accompanists over the years, Jonathan Lilley and Thomas Moore. Regular vocal soloists since the early and mid 1990s include Claire Strafford, Anita Wiencelewski, Kathryn Woodruff, Paul Dutton and Quentin Brown.
Overgate Hospice Choir is a choir of 80 mixed voices presenting four concerts a year of music from the standard choral repertoire,Halifax Evening Courier 25/10/11 Derek Greenwood "A night of contrasts from one composer" along with Christmas Carols,Halifax Evening Courier 22/12/09 Gordon Sampson "A stirring singalong" Hymns,Halifax Evening Courier 21/3/11 Gordon Sampson "A £200,000 sing" Opera ChorusesHalifax Evening Courier 15/6/11 Julia Anderson " Gondoliers a musical success" and Songs from the Shows.Halifax Evening Courier 2/6/09 Gordon Sampson "Serenade for Spring"
The Overgate Hospice Choir is based in Halifax
Halifax, West Yorkshire
Halifax is a minster town, within the Metropolitan Borough of Calderdale in West Yorkshire, England. It has an urban area population of 82,056 in the 2001 Census. It is well-known as a centre of England's woollen manufacture from the 15th century onward, originally dealing through the Halifax Piece...
, West Yorkshire
Yorkshire
Yorkshire is a historic county of northern England and the largest in the United Kingdom. Because of its great size in comparison to other English counties, functions have been increasingly undertaken over time by its subdivisions, which have also been subject to periodic reform...
and, through performances, raises money for Overgate Hospice http://www.overgatehospice.org.uk in Elland
Elland
Elland is a market town in Calderdale, in the county of West Yorkshire, England, south of Halifax, by the River Calder and the Calder and Hebble Navigation. The area of Elland was called Elant in the Domesday Book...
, West Yorkshire
Yorkshire
Yorkshire is a historic county of northern England and the largest in the United Kingdom. Because of its great size in comparison to other English counties, functions have been increasingly undertaken over time by its subdivisions, which have also been subject to periodic reform...
Halifax Evening Courier 6/6/11 "Choir hit a high note in anniversary year" . It is notable because, as far as is known, Overgate was the first Hospice to have its own Choir
Choir
A choir, chorale or chorus is a musical ensemble of singers. Choral music, in turn, is the music written specifically for such an ensemble to perform.A body of singers who perform together as a group is called a choir or chorus...
, formed specifically for the purpose of raising money for the Hospice
Hospice
Hospice is a type of care and a philosophy of care which focuses on the palliation of a terminally ill patient's symptoms.In the United States and Canada:*Gentiva Health Services, national provider of hospice and home health services...
. Other such groups have followed, of course, but Overgate was the very first in that particular field.
Overgate Hospice Choir was formed in 1991 by Phillip Taylor and Donald Maxwell-Timmins for the purpose of participating in the prototype event in the mighty Voices for Hospices enterprise launched that Autumn. The involvement of the Halifax Choral Society
The Halifax Choral Society
Halifax Choral Society is an internationally-famous choir based in the town of Halifax in the English county of West Yorkshire. It is notable for being the oldest amateur choral society in Britain , founded in 1817 with an unbroken record of performance.The idea for the Halifax Choral Society was...
at the Wakefield Cathedral
Wakefield Cathedral
Wakefield Cathedral, formally the Cathedral Church of All Saints Wakefield is the cathedral for the Church of England's Diocese of Wakefield and is the seat of the Bishop of Wakefield. The cathedral has Anglo Saxon origins and the tallest cathedral spire in Yorkshire...
VFH that year meant that Halifax
Halifax, West Yorkshire
Halifax is a minster town, within the Metropolitan Borough of Calderdale in West Yorkshire, England. It has an urban area population of 82,056 in the 2001 Census. It is well-known as a centre of England's woollen manufacture from the 15th century onward, originally dealing through the Halifax Piece...
, with a Hospice
Hospice
Hospice is a type of care and a philosophy of care which focuses on the palliation of a terminally ill patient's symptoms.In the United States and Canada:*Gentiva Health Services, national provider of hospice and home health services...
at Elland
Elland
Elland is a market town in Calderdale, in the county of West Yorkshire, England, south of Halifax, by the River Calder and the Calder and Hebble Navigation. The area of Elland was called Elant in the Domesday Book...
, would not be able to feature in the nation-wide effort unless a Choir were to be formed specifically for the purpose.
Its first Conductor was Donald Maxwell-Timmins and his wife Margaret served as accompanist in the early years. Following the retirement of both Mr & Mrs Maxwell-Timmins in 1997, the Leeds-based conductor
Conducting
Conducting is the art of directing a musical performance by way of visible gestures. The primary duties of the conductor are to unify performers, set the tempo, execute clear preparations and beats, and to listen critically and shape the sound of the ensemble...
and organist
Organist
An organist is a musician who plays any type of organ. An organist may play solo organ works, play with an ensemble or orchestra, or accompany one or more singers or instrumental soloists...
Dr Simon Lindley
Simon Lindley
Simon Lindley is a British organist, choirmaster, conductor and composer. He has been organist at Leeds Town Hall since 1976 and Master of the Music and organist of Leeds Parish Church since 1975. Senior Lecturer in Music at Leeds Polytechnic from 1976 to 1987, Lindley held the post of Senior...
http://www.simonlindley.org.uk, a past President of the Royal College of Organists
Royal College of Organists
The Royal College of Organists or RCO, is a charity and membership organisation based in the United Kingdom, but with members around the world...
,became the Choir’s Music Director. Accompanists since then have included Rowland Moseley and Jonathan Lilley from Leeds and, for a more extended period, Wakefield Cathedral
Wakefield Cathedral
Wakefield Cathedral, formally the Cathedral Church of All Saints Wakefield is the cathedral for the Church of England's Diocese of Wakefield and is the seat of the Bishop of Wakefield. The cathedral has Anglo Saxon origins and the tallest cathedral spire in Yorkshire...
’s Thomas Moore. Alan Horsey was recently appointed to succeed Mr Moore as accompanist, and took up his post in Summer of 2009.
Guest conductors over the years have included Dr Donald Hunt OBE, Conductor of the Halifax Choral Society
The Halifax Choral Society
Halifax Choral Society is an internationally-famous choir based in the town of Halifax in the English county of West Yorkshire. It is notable for being the oldest amateur choral society in Britain , founded in 1817 with an unbroken record of performance.The idea for the Halifax Choral Society was...
from 1957 to 1988 and a former Director of Music at Leeds Parish Church
Leeds Parish Church
Leeds Parish Church, or the Parish Church of Saint Peter-at-Leeds, in Leeds, West Yorkshire is a large Church of England parish church of major architectural and liturgical significance. It has been designated a grade I listed building by English Heritage...
and Worcester Cathedral
Worcester Cathedral
Worcester Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral in Worcester, England; situated on a bank overlooking the River Severn. It is the seat of the Anglican Bishop of Worcester. Its official name is The Cathedral Church of Christ and the Blessed Mary the Virgin of Worcester...
and Dr Gordon Stewart http://www.gordonstewart.org of Huddersfield
Huddersfield
Huddersfield is a large market town within the Metropolitan Borough of Kirklees, in West Yorkshire, England, situated halfway between Leeds and Manchester. It lies north of London, and south of Bradford, the nearest city....
Town Hall, an acclaimed Music Director of BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
Radio and Television religious programmes including Songs of Praise
Songs of Praise
Songs of Praise is a BBC Television programme based around traditional Christian hymns. It is a widely watched and long-running religious television programme, one of the few peak-time free-to-air religious programmes in Europe Songs of Praise is a BBC Television programme based around traditional...
on BBC 1. Among organists who have played for the Choir may be numbered Philip C Tordoff, Organist of Halifax Minster since 1971, who played for many of the concerts in the early years and David Houlder http://www.davidhoulder.org from Leeds Parish Church
Leeds Parish Church
Leeds Parish Church, or the Parish Church of Saint Peter-at-Leeds, in Leeds, West Yorkshire is a large Church of England parish church of major architectural and liturgical significance. It has been designated a grade I listed building by English Heritage...
as well as the Choir’s own accompanists over the years, Jonathan Lilley and Thomas Moore. Regular vocal soloists since the early and mid 1990s include Claire Strafford, Anita Wiencelewski, Kathryn Woodruff, Paul Dutton and Quentin Brown.
Overgate Hospice Choir is a choir of 80 mixed voices presenting four concerts a year of music from the standard choral repertoire,Halifax Evening Courier 25/10/11 Derek Greenwood "A night of contrasts from one composer" along with Christmas Carols,Halifax Evening Courier 22/12/09 Gordon Sampson "A stirring singalong" Hymns,Halifax Evening Courier 21/3/11 Gordon Sampson "A £200,000 sing" Opera ChorusesHalifax Evening Courier 15/6/11 Julia Anderson " Gondoliers a musical success" and Songs from the Shows.Halifax Evening Courier 2/6/09 Gordon Sampson "Serenade for Spring"
The Overgate Hospice Choir is based in Halifax
Halifax, West Yorkshire
Halifax is a minster town, within the Metropolitan Borough of Calderdale in West Yorkshire, England. It has an urban area population of 82,056 in the 2001 Census. It is well-known as a centre of England's woollen manufacture from the 15th century onward, originally dealing through the Halifax Piece...
, West Yorkshire
Yorkshire
Yorkshire is a historic county of northern England and the largest in the United Kingdom. Because of its great size in comparison to other English counties, functions have been increasingly undertaken over time by its subdivisions, which have also been subject to periodic reform...
and, through performances, raises money for Overgate Hospice http://www.overgatehospice.org.uk in Elland
Elland
Elland is a market town in Calderdale, in the county of West Yorkshire, England, south of Halifax, by the River Calder and the Calder and Hebble Navigation. The area of Elland was called Elant in the Domesday Book...
, West Yorkshire
Yorkshire
Yorkshire is a historic county of northern England and the largest in the United Kingdom. Because of its great size in comparison to other English counties, functions have been increasingly undertaken over time by its subdivisions, which have also been subject to periodic reform...
Halifax Evening Courier 6/6/11 "Choir hit a high note in anniversary year" . It is notable because, as far as is known, Overgate was the first Hospice to have its own Choir
Choir
A choir, chorale or chorus is a musical ensemble of singers. Choral music, in turn, is the music written specifically for such an ensemble to perform.A body of singers who perform together as a group is called a choir or chorus...
, formed specifically for the purpose of raising money for the Hospice
Hospice
Hospice is a type of care and a philosophy of care which focuses on the palliation of a terminally ill patient's symptoms.In the United States and Canada:*Gentiva Health Services, national provider of hospice and home health services...
. Other such groups have followed, of course, but Overgate was the very first in that particular field.
Overgate Hospice Choir was formed in 1991 by Phillip Taylor and Donald Maxwell-Timmins for the purpose of participating in the prototype event in the mighty Voices for Hospices enterprise launched that Autumn. The involvement of the Halifax Choral Society
The Halifax Choral Society
Halifax Choral Society is an internationally-famous choir based in the town of Halifax in the English county of West Yorkshire. It is notable for being the oldest amateur choral society in Britain , founded in 1817 with an unbroken record of performance.The idea for the Halifax Choral Society was...
at the Wakefield Cathedral
Wakefield Cathedral
Wakefield Cathedral, formally the Cathedral Church of All Saints Wakefield is the cathedral for the Church of England's Diocese of Wakefield and is the seat of the Bishop of Wakefield. The cathedral has Anglo Saxon origins and the tallest cathedral spire in Yorkshire...
VFH that year meant that Halifax
Halifax, West Yorkshire
Halifax is a minster town, within the Metropolitan Borough of Calderdale in West Yorkshire, England. It has an urban area population of 82,056 in the 2001 Census. It is well-known as a centre of England's woollen manufacture from the 15th century onward, originally dealing through the Halifax Piece...
, with a Hospice
Hospice
Hospice is a type of care and a philosophy of care which focuses on the palliation of a terminally ill patient's symptoms.In the United States and Canada:*Gentiva Health Services, national provider of hospice and home health services...
at Elland
Elland
Elland is a market town in Calderdale, in the county of West Yorkshire, England, south of Halifax, by the River Calder and the Calder and Hebble Navigation. The area of Elland was called Elant in the Domesday Book...
, would not be able to feature in the nation-wide effort unless a Choir were to be formed specifically for the purpose.
Its first Conductor was Donald Maxwell-Timmins and his wife Margaret served as accompanist in the early years. Following the retirement of both Mr & Mrs Maxwell-Timmins in 1997, the Leeds-based conductor
Conducting
Conducting is the art of directing a musical performance by way of visible gestures. The primary duties of the conductor are to unify performers, set the tempo, execute clear preparations and beats, and to listen critically and shape the sound of the ensemble...
and organist
Organist
An organist is a musician who plays any type of organ. An organist may play solo organ works, play with an ensemble or orchestra, or accompany one or more singers or instrumental soloists...
Dr Simon Lindley
Simon Lindley
Simon Lindley is a British organist, choirmaster, conductor and composer. He has been organist at Leeds Town Hall since 1976 and Master of the Music and organist of Leeds Parish Church since 1975. Senior Lecturer in Music at Leeds Polytechnic from 1976 to 1987, Lindley held the post of Senior...
http://www.simonlindley.org.uk, a past President of the Royal College of Organists
Royal College of Organists
The Royal College of Organists or RCO, is a charity and membership organisation based in the United Kingdom, but with members around the world...
,became the Choir’s Music Director. Accompanists since then have included Rowland Moseley and Jonathan Lilley from Leeds and, for a more extended period, Wakefield Cathedral
Wakefield Cathedral
Wakefield Cathedral, formally the Cathedral Church of All Saints Wakefield is the cathedral for the Church of England's Diocese of Wakefield and is the seat of the Bishop of Wakefield. The cathedral has Anglo Saxon origins and the tallest cathedral spire in Yorkshire...
’s Thomas Moore. Alan Horsey was recently appointed to succeed Mr Moore as accompanist, and took up his post in Summer of 2009.
Guest conductors over the years have included Dr Donald Hunt OBE, Conductor of the Halifax Choral Society
The Halifax Choral Society
Halifax Choral Society is an internationally-famous choir based in the town of Halifax in the English county of West Yorkshire. It is notable for being the oldest amateur choral society in Britain , founded in 1817 with an unbroken record of performance.The idea for the Halifax Choral Society was...
from 1957 to 1988 and a former Director of Music at Leeds Parish Church
Leeds Parish Church
Leeds Parish Church, or the Parish Church of Saint Peter-at-Leeds, in Leeds, West Yorkshire is a large Church of England parish church of major architectural and liturgical significance. It has been designated a grade I listed building by English Heritage...
and Worcester Cathedral
Worcester Cathedral
Worcester Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral in Worcester, England; situated on a bank overlooking the River Severn. It is the seat of the Anglican Bishop of Worcester. Its official name is The Cathedral Church of Christ and the Blessed Mary the Virgin of Worcester...
and Dr Gordon Stewart http://www.gordonstewart.org of Huddersfield
Huddersfield
Huddersfield is a large market town within the Metropolitan Borough of Kirklees, in West Yorkshire, England, situated halfway between Leeds and Manchester. It lies north of London, and south of Bradford, the nearest city....
Town Hall, an acclaimed Music Director of BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
Radio and Television religious programmes including Songs of Praise
Songs of Praise
Songs of Praise is a BBC Television programme based around traditional Christian hymns. It is a widely watched and long-running religious television programme, one of the few peak-time free-to-air religious programmes in Europe Songs of Praise is a BBC Television programme based around traditional...
on BBC 1. Among organists who have played for the Choir may be numbered Philip C Tordoff, Organist of Halifax Minster since 1971, who played for many of the concerts in the early years and David Houlder http://www.davidhoulder.org from Leeds Parish Church
Leeds Parish Church
Leeds Parish Church, or the Parish Church of Saint Peter-at-Leeds, in Leeds, West Yorkshire is a large Church of England parish church of major architectural and liturgical significance. It has been designated a grade I listed building by English Heritage...
as well as the Choir’s own accompanists over the years, Jonathan Lilley and Thomas Moore. Regular vocal soloists since the early and mid 1990s include Claire Strafford, Anita Wiencelewski, Kathryn Woodruff, Paul Dutton and Quentin Brown.
Overgate Hospice Choir is a choir of 80 mixed voices presenting four concerts a year of music from the standard choral repertoire,Halifax Evening Courier 25/10/11 Derek Greenwood "A night of contrasts from one composer" along with Christmas Carols,Halifax Evening Courier 22/12/09 Gordon Sampson "A stirring singalong" Hymns,Halifax Evening Courier 21/3/11 Gordon Sampson "A £200,000 sing" Opera ChorusesHalifax Evening Courier 15/6/11 Julia Anderson " Gondoliers a musical success" and Songs from the Shows.Halifax Evening Courier 2/6/09 Gordon Sampson "Serenade for Spring"