what's happening in 2025
After a successful summer season, we are looking forward to the Autumn
Rehearsals for the Autumn will commence on Wednesday the 24th of September, 7-30pm at the Coniston Hotel.
Our Music Director Elaine Dave is preparing for the Autumn season, and she is looking forward to welcoming new members to the choir as well as returning choir members when rehearsals start again on 24 th September. She has chosen some beautiful new pieces for us to sing at our Christmas concerts, alongside some much-loved seasonal favourites.
There will be several Christmas events including ‘Carols by Candlelight’ at the Coniston Hotel on December the 3rd, which is always sold out and very popular, and our Christmas Concert at Gargrave Parish Church on the 17th of December.
Will Campbell will be returning as our accompanist for the Christmas season.
We are a versatile choir who enjoy performing a varied programme, ranging from classical, to sacred, songs from the shows, and modern popular. Something for everyone.
We rehearse weekly on Wednesday evenings starting at 7-30 pm, usually at the Coniston Hotel.
Why not come and join us?
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Will Campbell to Accompany The choir in 2025
Voices of Craven welcome William Campbell as accompanist for our Concerts in 2025
Will is currently the Sub-Organist and Assistant Director of Music at Bradford Cathedral.
Will initially started playing the violin as a three year old and subsequently took up the piano and trumpet. His first experience of the organ was through His hometown church (St. Mary’s Catholic Church, West Croydon) when he was 10; the church was in need of an organist for a Good Friday service and he was asked to play for this. He has been transfixed ever since and started organ lessons as a music scholar at Wellington College, Berkshire aged 14. Since then he has held posts at Guildford, Canterbury and Leeds Cathedrals as well as Leeds Minster before starting at Bradford Cathedral in January 2025.
A few lines from Will.
I grew up in a family with five older sisters (yes imagine being the youngest and the only boy of 6 children…), and each of them learnt an instrument. Of these instruments violin and trumpet were among them hence me starting both of these instruments eventually. I was in both the National Childrens and National Youth Orchestras of Great Britain as a violinist growing up which led to my first performance at the BBC Proms in Summer 2017
Elaine Dave Joins As Music Director
Voices of Craven welcomed ELAINE DAVE as our Music Director in January 2025
Before relocating to Gargrave in 2021 Elaine was a singing teacher for the East Riding Schools’ Music Service, and up until 2018 was the Music Director of the East Riding Youth Singers.
As a soprano soloist Elaine enjoys performing recitals as well as singing major Oratorio works with various Choral Societies in and around Yorkshire. She has performed with Beverley Chamber Choir, Wakefield Festival Chorus, Lancaster Singers, Hull Choral Union, Hull Bach Choir and East Riding County Choir. Elaine has also performed the Berlioz ‘Les Nuit D’ete’ and Gliere’s Concerto for Coloratura Soprano with the Scarborough Symphony Orchestra and is looking forward to working with them again in the future.
Forthcoming performances include Sheffield Cathedral, York and Beverley Minster. Elaine also performs with Allegoria, a small vocal ensemble that perform works by East Yorkshire composer, Dawn Walters.
As well as being the Music Director to Voices of Craven, Elaine enjoys her role as Music Director to Libertas, a Male Voice Vocal Group, and is the accompanist for Steeton Male Voice Choir.
Joining a choir can be a rewarding experience
Singing, along with its spiritual benefits, provides many physical health benefits. What a great activity it is in terms of improving various areas of physical fitness.
Physical Health:
Singing exercises your diaphragm and lungs, leading to better breathing and improved lung function. It can also boost your immune system and even help manage chronic conditions like asthma.
Mental and Emotional Well-being:
Singing in a choir is a great stress reliever. It releases endorphins, those feel-good hormones that combat anxiety and elevate your mood. Studies have even shown that singing can reduce symptoms of depression.
Social Connection:
Choirs provide a great way to meet new people who share your love of music. The camaraderie and sense of belonging that comes from working together towards a common goal can be very powerful.
Improved Cognitive Function:
Learning new music challenges your brain and keeps it sharp. Choir members are constantly memorizing lyrics and following along with complex musical pieces.
Creative Outlet:
Singing allows you to express yourself creatively and explore different musical styles. You'll also gain a deeper appreciation for music through the practice of choral singing.
So, if you're looking for a fun and enriching activity that benefits your body, mind, and soul, consider joining:
Voices of Craven