Voices of Craven

GeofFrey WOOLLATT to Accompany The choir in 2026

Voices of Craven welcome Geoffrey Woollatt as accompanist for our Concerts in 2026

Due to Will Campbell taking up a new role at Peterborough Cathedral Geoffrey Woollatt will be the accompanist for Voices of Craven in 2026

Geoffrey Woollatt began his musical career as a chorister at Southwell Minster. Subsequently he attended Chetham's School of Music in Manchester. In January 2007, Geoffrey was appointed as Junior Organ Scholar at Manchester Cathedral, a post which he held for eighteen months.

In September 2008, he became the Organ Scholar at Chester Cathedral. A year later, Geoffrey commenced his studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow. At the same time he was appointed Assistant Organist at St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral in Glasgow. In September 2012, he returned to Chester Cathedral as Assistant Organist, and in March 2015, he moved to Manchester Cathedral as Sub-Organist. During his time in Manchester he accompanied the Cathedral Choir in broadcasts, both on radio and television. He also played the premieres of choral works by Matthew Martin, Philip Wilby, and Gareth Treseder.

In August 2025, Geoffrey was appointed Organist and Director of Music at Bradford Cathedral.

Elaine Dave , Music Director

Voices of Craven welcomed ELAINE DAVE as our Music Director in January 2025 and we are pleased to announce that she will be with us for 2026

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.

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: