Directing

Alison currently directs 3 choirs: Alyth Choral Society, St Mary-at-Finchley Parish Choir (adults SATB), and St Mary-at-Finchley Youth Choir (ages 7-18). Previously she was director of De Merc Chamber Choir in Harlow, and also of the choir at Youth Music Centre, Hampstead (which won gold medals two years running in the North London Festival). Alison’s view is that ”it’s a great privilege to create music in the community and to develop music in people’s lives.” At Alyth, Alison is also part of the team directing the Shabbat morning services.

Directing comes naturally to Alison, focusing on the details as well as the bigger musical picture. She has a great desire to channel the composer’s art into an audible and beautiful experience for the performers and audience. She combines a truly artistic overview with care for each individual singer. Concerts and other performances are true celebrations of the work shared and enjoyed during the time of preparation. Recent highlights include Haydn’s Creation, Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, and Handel’s Jephthah, all complete with soloists, choir and orchestra.

Alison loves to devise useful and interesting vocal warm-ups to free the body and allow each voice to speak/sing naturally in its own unique way.

Alison’s programming has always been imaginative and she is dedicated to inclusive programming. She relishes the opportunity to research new ideas, to present them to your committee. She is passionate about contemporary music and has commissioned 21 pieces all from British composers. These include ‘Two Queens of the Ile of Britain’ (Helen Rowe), ‘Sainte’ (Tarik O’Regan), La Jeune Morte (Judith Bingham) and L’enfant Dort (Bob Chilcott).

As well as having long experience of recording as a singer, for CDs, radio, and TV, Alison has conducted several recordings including Advent carols for BBC Essex, works of Lesley-Jane Rogers (with Walder Choir), and Doxology by Cilia Petridou.

For many years Alison has directed the Young Voices Festival for the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM). Next year is no exception – sign up now for this exciting event on Saturday 9th March 2024 by emailing churchmusiclondon@gmail.com