We are pleased to announce that Voices of Craven will be joined by Graham Thorpe as our Musical Director
Graham Thorpe became Organist and Director of Music at Bradford Cathedral in 2023, having previously spent four years as Sub-Organist and Assistant Director of Music. At the Cathedral, he has oversight of all musical activity, he trains and directs the choirs for services, tours, recordings and concerts, and is responsible for the strategic planning of the music department. Graham is also Musical Director for Voices of Craven and Morley Music Society, leading rehearsals and directing concerts.
Before moving to Bradford, Graham completed his undergraduate studies at the Royal Academy of Music with Susan Landale and Clive Driskill-Smith, winning several performance and academic prizes. He undertook an MMus at the Royal College of Music in London where he studied with David Graham and Andrew Dewar, specialising in English Romantic repertoire. He was supported by a Richard Newton Scarth Award and a John Birch Scholarship.
For two years, Graham held the Pettman Organ Scholarship at the London Oratory and prior to this he was the assistant organist at St. Michael's, Cornhill. He enjoyed freelance work on the organ, piano, harpsichord and harmonium. Graham is in demand around the country as a recitalist and accompanist. As an accompanist, he has been broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and has been recorded on both organ and piano. Notable recital venues include St. Paul's, Westminster, Norwich and Southwark Cathedrals.
He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists and a winner of the Worshipful Company of Musicians F. E. Smith medal. He received the RCO Peter Wiles Scholarship in support of his postgraduate studies. Graham is passionate about cathedral music, and loves working with choristers of Bradford Cathedral! In his spare time, he can be found enjoying DIY, walking and drinking beer, not necessarily all at the same time!
We are fortunate to have secured the services of Elaine Dave as our Assistant Musical Director / Accompanist
Before relocating to Gargrave in 2021 Elaine was a singing teacher for the East Riding Schools’ Music Service, and up until 2018 was the MD of the East Riding Youth Singers.
As a soprano soloist Elaine has given recitals as well as singing major Oratorio works with various Choral Societies in and around Yorkshire including Beverley Chamber Choir, Wakefield Festival Chorus, Lancaster Singers, Hull Choral Union 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.
Forthcoming recitals are at Beverley Minster and Sheffield Cathedral in the New Year.
As well as her role as Deputy Music Director/ Accompanist to Voices of Craven, Elaine is also MD to Libertas, a small Male Voice Vocal Group and is the accompanist for Steeton Male Voice Choir.
The Voices of Craven Choir delighted audiences at two summer concerts this year, held at the beautiful Churches at Kirkby Malham and Giggleswick.
The Choir was led by the Musical Director, Darren Everhart along with accompanist, Elaine Dave.
Throngs of music lovers were treated to a diverse program ranging from classical masterpieces like Bach's Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring (classical) to contemporary works like Adiemus by Karl Jenkins. The choir also brought the house down with modern favorites like John Lennon's Imagine and the beloved The Rose (Bette Midler version), finishing with a medley of Abba hits that had the audience singing along.
The concerts were further enriched by the performances of talented guest soloists. Jessica Harper and Sarah Fox.
At Kirkby Malham, soprano Jessica Harper captivated audiences with her renditions of A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square and Somewhere from West Side Story.
At Giggleswick, international opera singer Sarah Fox impressed the audience with Mai (Gabriel Faure), My Ship (Kurt Weill), and other pieces by these composers.
The Voices of Craven Choir was accompanied by the Vine String Quartet, who also performed their own pieces throughout both evenings. nals who saw a need for more accessible mental health resources in our community.
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
Voices of Craven (VOC) members were delighted that, following recent editorials in the Craven Herald and in the Gargrave and Malhamdale parish magazines, new members have been coming along in number to our recent rehearsals.
With an exciting and varied programme new and established members alike have been having great fun whilst working hard towards our forthcoming concerts.
We mentioned in our editorial pieces that music-making is good for us both mentally and physically, and this has been borne out in the smiling faces and lively chatter at the end of rehearsals. In addition, the break for refreshments has seen everyone enjoying the social benefits of being a VOC member.
See more of what we do below!