JANICE BALL - MUSICAL DIRECTOR
|
|
Janice Ball was born in the Swansea Valley and began playing the piano and organ as a child. She later followed a Bachelor of Music Degree in Musical Composition at the University of Wales, Cardiff where she studied under tutors John McGabe and Patrick Piggott. Following her graduation she taught piano and organ and gained a reputation as a professional accompanist to singers and choral organisations.
A television contract resulted in many guest appearances as an accompanist to a range of well-known singers for HTV Wales and in 1969 she was appointed accompanist and assistant conductor to the internationally renowned Ardwyn Singers of Cardiff. She was also the accompanist of the National Youth Choir of Wales for 20 years.
As an organist she has played at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Washington D.C., the Royal Albert Hall, Valetta Cathedral in Malta, the Sydney Opera House and also in the cathedrals of Russia and Germany. She was also invited to undertake a series of organ recitals in Barbados and has more recently given a recital of Poulenc's Organ Concert to critical acclaim.
For a decade Jan was the Head of Music at Coleg Glan Hafren in the Welsh capital. She now tutors at the University of Wales Cardiff and at
|
Howells School in Llandaff and also works with the Welsh National Opera Education Programme. In constant demand as a pianist and organist, Jan, who also holds a pilot’s licence, became the Treorchy Male Choir’s accompanist in 2002.
Following a period as Deputy Conductor, she was appointed the first female Conductor of the Treorchy Male Choir in the summer of 2007. Jan was also presented with the first Honorary Lady Membership of the Choir shortly afterwards and in 2009 led them on a hugely successful tour of Australia and New Zealand.
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
HELEN ROBERTS - ACCOMPANIST
|
|
Helen Roberts was born in Trowbridge, Wiltshire. She started to learn a variety of musical instruments at an early age including the flute and violin but soon developed an aptitude for the piano.
She joined the West Wiltshire Young Musicians and at the age of ten won the prestigious Honeywell Cup for outstanding musicianship.
While she was studying at the Clarendon School, Helen was in popular demand as an accompanist and during this time played the piano in a command performance at Longleat House at the request of Lord Bath himself.
In 2000, Helen became the principal accompanist for the Silver Ring Choir of Bath, during which time she undertook concert tours of Germany and Holland.
Following a concert in 2003 featuring the Silver Ring Choir and Treorchy Male Choir, Helen was invited to become the deputy accompanist to Treorchy and joined them on their successful tour of Australia in 2004. She was also presented with Honorary Lady Membership of the Choir in 2007.
|
Following four years as a pupil of Fazliddin Husanov, the eminent Russian pianist and recording artist, Helen graduated with a Bachelor of Music Degree from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff in 2007.
Helen was appointed Accompanist of the Treorchy Male Choir during the same year and is also the Accompanist for Cor Meibion Llanelli.
|
