2024 and what's happening in 2025
WE look forward to an exciting year ahead
Rehearsal dates for the Autumn will be announced very shortly
We were unfortunate that both our accompanist, Ellie Everhart, and musical director, Darren Everhart had to leave us in the last year, but we were very lucky that Elaine Dave filled the breach.
Then Elaine decided to join us full-time in October.
We can look forward to an exciting and enjoyable year now that we have Elaine as our Music Director.
Graham Thorpe who joined us as Music Director for the Christmas Concerts has secured a place as assistant Music Director at Norwich Cathedral and has had to leave us.
We thank him for all his hard work, and wish him well and all the happiness in the future.
There will also be several Christmas concerts including one at the Coniston Hotel, and again, one at Gargrave Parish Church.
We are a choir that performs different kinds of music ranging from classical, religious, musicals and modern popular.
We rehearse weekly on Wednesday nights 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 for the Summer Concerts
Voices of Craven welcome William Campbell
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
David barraclough as soloist for victoria hall concert
Voices of Craven welcome David Barraclough
David is no stranger to the vibrant local music scene, and he is looking forward to adding Settle to a growing list of venues where he has appeared either as a soloist or a conductor. David has a very varied musical taste which is a result of his past involvement with a wide variety of musical societies and being a Principal Singer with Sheffield City Opera. He is currently musical director for Thornton Singers and the Deputy Musical Director for Steeton Male Voice Choir, which he has been a member of since 2015. His biggest 'gig' to date was as a soloist in front of a capacity audience at Sheffield City Hall which connected him to the Jerry Herman hit 'I won't send Roses' from the musical Mack and Mabel which David will perform tonight. Music by Edith Piaf is never far from David's repertoire and enables him to show that studying French wasn't wasted after all! However, it is a particular love of musical theatre that wouldn't be complete without a taste of Rodgers and Hammerstein and 'Some Enchanted Evening', which he truly hopes it will be for you all this evening.
Elaine Dave Joins As Music Director
Voices of Craven welcome ELAINE DAVE
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