2022 Autumn Concert
Saturday 26th November 2022
The Priory Church
Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 1YZ
7:30 pm
The Priory Church
Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 1YZ
7:30 pm
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A huge welcome to you from Lancaster and District Choral Society. For our Autumn Concert
We invite you to join us for this special musical celebration of the season Messiah by George Frideric Handel 
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Original score: Worthy is the Lamb (Click to enlarge)
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Our Soloists
Zoë Vallée - Soprano
Zoë Vallée - Soprano
Zoë Vallée is a Canadian Coloratura Soprano currently completing a Master of Music in Vocal Performance at the RNCM where she is studying with Sandra Dugdale. She is the recipient of a scholarship made possible by the Jacob Marsland Award, and the Kenneth Hedley Bequest. Zoë is a proud Newfoundlander who completed her Bachelor’s degree at Memorial University of Newfoundland under the tutelage of Dr. Jane Leibel.
Zoë was led to music through a love of dance that was instilled in her at a young age. Zoë is an experienced dance and singing educator with eight years of teaching behind her (Classical voice, Musical theatre, Ballet, Contemporary, Lyrical, Street Dance, Irish Step). It was through dance that she began her career in musical theatre, starting in chorus/movement roles in shows such as Rock of Ages, and then succeeding in leading roles such as Joan in Fun Home. During her undergraduate degree Zoë was given the opportunity to study classical voice and opera, and found that this is where she really flourished. Her recent credits include Gretel in Humperdink’s Hansel und Gretel with MUN Opera Workshop, Chocholka/Mrs. Pásek in Janacek’s the Cunning Little Vixen, the Controller in Jonathan Dove’s Flight, and Zerbinetta in the prologue of Ariadne auf Naxos with RNCM’s Opera Program. Among other opportunities available at the RNCM, Zoë is honoured to have been selected as a finalist for the 2021 competition for the Joyce and Michael Kennedy Award for the singing of Strauss.
Zoë Vallée appears by kind permission of the RNCM
Zoë Vallée is a Canadian Coloratura Soprano currently completing a Master of Music in Vocal Performance at the RNCM where she is studying with Sandra Dugdale. She is the recipient of a scholarship made possible by the Jacob Marsland Award, and the Kenneth Hedley Bequest. Zoë is a proud Newfoundlander who completed her Bachelor’s degree at Memorial University of Newfoundland under the tutelage of Dr. Jane Leibel.
Zoë was led to music through a love of dance that was instilled in her at a young age. Zoë is an experienced dance and singing educator with eight years of teaching behind her (Classical voice, Musical theatre, Ballet, Contemporary, Lyrical, Street Dance, Irish Step). It was through dance that she began her career in musical theatre, starting in chorus/movement roles in shows such as Rock of Ages, and then succeeding in leading roles such as Joan in Fun Home. During her undergraduate degree Zoë was given the opportunity to study classical voice and opera, and found that this is where she really flourished. Her recent credits include Gretel in Humperdink’s Hansel und Gretel with MUN Opera Workshop, Chocholka/Mrs. Pásek in Janacek’s the Cunning Little Vixen, the Controller in Jonathan Dove’s Flight, and Zerbinetta in the prologue of Ariadne auf Naxos with RNCM’s Opera Program. Among other opportunities available at the RNCM, Zoë is honoured to have been selected as a finalist for the 2021 competition for the Joyce and Michael Kennedy Award for the singing of Strauss.
Zoë Vallée appears by kind permission of the RNCM
Lucy Vallis - Mezzo Soprano
Lucy Vallis - Mezzo Soprano (Unfortunately unable to attend)
Lucy Wallis is a Soprano from Penzance, Cornwall currently studying BMus (Hons) in Vocal Studies and Opera at The Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester under the tutelage of Jane Irwin. Lucy's appreciation of music, especially singing, has been evident from a young age. In addition, she enjoys playing the piano and double bass.
While commencing singing lessons with Heather Mee, Lucy was a founder member of The Meeagars Ensemble, a thriving girls choir. She had solo opportunities in Germany, on tour, and in the UK performing in concerts. Furthermore, she was one of the first Girl Choristers to join the Truro Cathedral Choir in 2015. Here she had the chance to sing with the choir live on BBC Radio 3, on a commercial CD recording and in performances with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the City of London Sinfonia. During this busy time Lucy achieved Grade 8 ABRSM in Singing and the ARSM Diploma, both with distinction.
Lucy's love and enjoyment of performing led to solo and ensemble successes in music festivals and competitions throughout Cornwall, namely Truro County Music Festival and Indian Queens Music Festival. She also took part in the Rotary Young Musician of the Year competition, where she placed as a regional finalist.
Being a conscientious musician, Lucy embarks on many opportunities to perform. Previous performances include lunchtime concerts in both Truro Cathedral and Truro Methodist Chapel. She also undertook the role of Pamina in semi-staged excerpts of 'The Magic Flute.' Additionally, Lucy performed the role of the Youth in Mendelssohn's Elijah, performed in Truro Cathedral with a professional orchestra and soloists. She performed as part of the chorus in RNCM's opera Dialogues des Carmélites, directed by Orphan Phelan.
By participating in vocal workshops with John Treleaven, The Sixteen and Tenebrae's conductor Nigel Short, Lucy has gained invaluable knowledge and experience of the voice and performance. She has been able to impart her knowledge to others while taking part in the RNCM's Children's Opera project. During this collaboration Lucy visited various local primary schools alongside other RNCM students. Her responsibility was to help develop the children's original ideas through enthusiasm and encouragement.
Future performances include the Good Friday concert at Camborne Wesley Chapel in her home county of Cornwall, where she will perform as guest Soprano soloist. Repertoire includes Mozart, Bach and Maunder's Olivet to Calvary. Additionally, Lucy is working towards her second year recital which will take place in June.
Once Lucy has completed her BMus degree at the RNCM she hopes to complete a Master's Degree of Performance in singing.
Lucy Vallis appears by kind permission of the RNCM
Lucy Wallis is a Soprano from Penzance, Cornwall currently studying BMus (Hons) in Vocal Studies and Opera at The Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester under the tutelage of Jane Irwin. Lucy's appreciation of music, especially singing, has been evident from a young age. In addition, she enjoys playing the piano and double bass.
While commencing singing lessons with Heather Mee, Lucy was a founder member of The Meeagars Ensemble, a thriving girls choir. She had solo opportunities in Germany, on tour, and in the UK performing in concerts. Furthermore, she was one of the first Girl Choristers to join the Truro Cathedral Choir in 2015. Here she had the chance to sing with the choir live on BBC Radio 3, on a commercial CD recording and in performances with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the City of London Sinfonia. During this busy time Lucy achieved Grade 8 ABRSM in Singing and the ARSM Diploma, both with distinction.
Lucy's love and enjoyment of performing led to solo and ensemble successes in music festivals and competitions throughout Cornwall, namely Truro County Music Festival and Indian Queens Music Festival. She also took part in the Rotary Young Musician of the Year competition, where she placed as a regional finalist.
Being a conscientious musician, Lucy embarks on many opportunities to perform. Previous performances include lunchtime concerts in both Truro Cathedral and Truro Methodist Chapel. She also undertook the role of Pamina in semi-staged excerpts of 'The Magic Flute.' Additionally, Lucy performed the role of the Youth in Mendelssohn's Elijah, performed in Truro Cathedral with a professional orchestra and soloists. She performed as part of the chorus in RNCM's opera Dialogues des Carmélites, directed by Orphan Phelan.
By participating in vocal workshops with John Treleaven, The Sixteen and Tenebrae's conductor Nigel Short, Lucy has gained invaluable knowledge and experience of the voice and performance. She has been able to impart her knowledge to others while taking part in the RNCM's Children's Opera project. During this collaboration Lucy visited various local primary schools alongside other RNCM students. Her responsibility was to help develop the children's original ideas through enthusiasm and encouragement.
Future performances include the Good Friday concert at Camborne Wesley Chapel in her home county of Cornwall, where she will perform as guest Soprano soloist. Repertoire includes Mozart, Bach and Maunder's Olivet to Calvary. Additionally, Lucy is working towards her second year recital which will take place in June.
Once Lucy has completed her BMus degree at the RNCM she hopes to complete a Master's Degree of Performance in singing.
Lucy Vallis appears by kind permission of the RNCM
Rebecca Barry - Mezzo Soprano
Rebecca Barry - Mezzo Soprano (Kindly stood in for Lucy Vallis)
Rebecca Barry is a young and seasoned mezzo-soprano from Manchester. She studied at the prestigious RNCM, under the tutelage of esteemed soprano Jane Irwin, where her studies were generously supported by the D’Oyly Carte Trust and Help Musicians UK.
During her time at the RNCM she performed many roles including the leading roles of Hansel in Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel, Madame de la Haltière in Massenet’s Cendrillon and Irene in a staged operatic production by John Ramster of Handel’s Theodora. Rebecca's other accolades from her time at the RNCM include The Annie Ridyard Scholarship for Mezzo Sopranos, The James Martin Oncken Song Prize and being a finalist in the national celebrated Bruce Millar Gullivar Prize.
Prior to her time in the main college, Rebecca was also previously a member of the Junior Royal Northern College of Music and was supported financially by the Friends of the RNCM during her studies.
In 2016 she had the beginning to her career on the international stage, when she was thrilled to perform the role of Witness 3 in the world premiere of David Blake and Keith Warner’s new opera Icarus at the Cantiere Internazionale d'Arte in Montepulciano.
Other highlights include performing Elgar’s Sea Pictures with the WSO and Haydn’s Nelson Mass with the Royal Northern Sinfonia at the Sage Gateshead. She also had the privilege of performing the Duruflè Requiem with the Academy Choir Wimbledon under Matthew Best. She covered the role of Rosina in Il Barbiere di Siviglia for the The Grange Fesitival 2018 and Cherubino at the New Generation Festival in Florence last year.
Rebecca looks forward to many upcoming engagements with Bergen National Opera in Norway, as well in the UK where she will perform the role of Gretel in The Hive with Liverpool Philharmonic and cover the role of Hermia in Britten’s A Midsummer Nights’ Dream for The Grange Festival 2021.
Rebecca Barry appears by kind permission of the RNCM
Rebecca Barry is a young and seasoned mezzo-soprano from Manchester. She studied at the prestigious RNCM, under the tutelage of esteemed soprano Jane Irwin, where her studies were generously supported by the D’Oyly Carte Trust and Help Musicians UK.
During her time at the RNCM she performed many roles including the leading roles of Hansel in Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel, Madame de la Haltière in Massenet’s Cendrillon and Irene in a staged operatic production by John Ramster of Handel’s Theodora. Rebecca's other accolades from her time at the RNCM include The Annie Ridyard Scholarship for Mezzo Sopranos, The James Martin Oncken Song Prize and being a finalist in the national celebrated Bruce Millar Gullivar Prize.
Prior to her time in the main college, Rebecca was also previously a member of the Junior Royal Northern College of Music and was supported financially by the Friends of the RNCM during her studies.
In 2016 she had the beginning to her career on the international stage, when she was thrilled to perform the role of Witness 3 in the world premiere of David Blake and Keith Warner’s new opera Icarus at the Cantiere Internazionale d'Arte in Montepulciano.
Other highlights include performing Elgar’s Sea Pictures with the WSO and Haydn’s Nelson Mass with the Royal Northern Sinfonia at the Sage Gateshead. She also had the privilege of performing the Duruflè Requiem with the Academy Choir Wimbledon under Matthew Best. She covered the role of Rosina in Il Barbiere di Siviglia for the The Grange Fesitival 2018 and Cherubino at the New Generation Festival in Florence last year.
Rebecca looks forward to many upcoming engagements with Bergen National Opera in Norway, as well in the UK where she will perform the role of Gretel in The Hive with Liverpool Philharmonic and cover the role of Hermia in Britten’s A Midsummer Nights’ Dream for The Grange Festival 2021.
Rebecca Barry appears by kind permission of the RNCM
Sam Knock - Tenor
Sam Knock - Tenor
Based in Manchester, Sam is an undergraduate Tenor studying under Peter Wilson at the Royal Northern College of Music. Most recently he has performed Jonathan Dove’s Mansfield Park at the RNCM, playing the role of Mr. Rushworth, after which he will be joining Buxton Opera, as a 2020 Young Artist.
Prior to this Sam has participated on a tour of Peter Grimes with Bergen National Opera. During the tour he performed at the Grieghallen, Oslo Opera House and Royal Festival Hall, while also creating a CD Recording with Chandos Records.
Recent concert performances include Bruckner Te Deum, Mozart Requiem and Vespers, and his Operatic performances include playing the roles of Worldy Glory and the Tenor Soloist in Vaughan Williams’ The Pilgrims Progress, and the role of Baron Kronthal from Der Wildschutz in RNCM Opera scenes.
Outside of the RNCM, Sam has enjoyed performing in the chorus of the UK debut of Silent Night with Opera North, and performances and a recording of Berlioz Requiem with Bergen Philharmonic Choir. Prior to his time in Manchester he recorded and performed in the debut of Kevin Mayhew’s work A People of Peace in his hometown Bury St Edmunds.
Alongside his studies, Sam regularly sings as a Deputy Lay-Clerk at Manchester Cathedral. Before coming to college Sam spent two gap years as Scholar at Norwich Cathedral. During his time in the choir they performed at various venues including St. Peter’s Basilica and Cologne Cathedral, and performed large-scale works such as Bach’s St John Passion, Mozart’s Requiem and various commissioned pieces by composers such as Gabriel Jackson. While in Norwich he worked with groups such as The Morley Consort of Voices, and took part in various concerts, festivals, tours and recordings in and around Norwich. Alongside his choral duties, Sam was also a founding member of the close harmony and barbershop group ‘Close Encounters’ and this influenced him to help form the Manchester based ensemble ‘Project6’, which recently enjoyed a well-received concert at Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester.
Sam Knock appears by kind permission of the RNCM.
Based in Manchester, Sam is an undergraduate Tenor studying under Peter Wilson at the Royal Northern College of Music. Most recently he has performed Jonathan Dove’s Mansfield Park at the RNCM, playing the role of Mr. Rushworth, after which he will be joining Buxton Opera, as a 2020 Young Artist.
Prior to this Sam has participated on a tour of Peter Grimes with Bergen National Opera. During the tour he performed at the Grieghallen, Oslo Opera House and Royal Festival Hall, while also creating a CD Recording with Chandos Records.
Recent concert performances include Bruckner Te Deum, Mozart Requiem and Vespers, and his Operatic performances include playing the roles of Worldy Glory and the Tenor Soloist in Vaughan Williams’ The Pilgrims Progress, and the role of Baron Kronthal from Der Wildschutz in RNCM Opera scenes.
Outside of the RNCM, Sam has enjoyed performing in the chorus of the UK debut of Silent Night with Opera North, and performances and a recording of Berlioz Requiem with Bergen Philharmonic Choir. Prior to his time in Manchester he recorded and performed in the debut of Kevin Mayhew’s work A People of Peace in his hometown Bury St Edmunds.
Alongside his studies, Sam regularly sings as a Deputy Lay-Clerk at Manchester Cathedral. Before coming to college Sam spent two gap years as Scholar at Norwich Cathedral. During his time in the choir they performed at various venues including St. Peter’s Basilica and Cologne Cathedral, and performed large-scale works such as Bach’s St John Passion, Mozart’s Requiem and various commissioned pieces by composers such as Gabriel Jackson. While in Norwich he worked with groups such as The Morley Consort of Voices, and took part in various concerts, festivals, tours and recordings in and around Norwich. Alongside his choral duties, Sam was also a founding member of the close harmony and barbershop group ‘Close Encounters’ and this influenced him to help form the Manchester based ensemble ‘Project6’, which recently enjoyed a well-received concert at Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester.
Sam Knock appears by kind permission of the RNCM.
James Holt - Bass
James Holt - Bass
James is a 24 year old Baritone presently studying for a Masters degree on the MMus Performance course at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) generously supported Allice Orrell and A&K Kendall Award and under the tutelage of Peter Alexander Wilson. Last year he graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree with Honours in Performance at the RNCM.
During his studies James has had several notable engagements including; the role of Schaunard from Puccini’s La Bohème with North Wales Opera Studio, Marchese D’Obigny from Verdi’s La Traviata with Hampstead Garden Opera (which toured to Modica, Sicily), Envy from Vaughan Williams’ Pilgrim’s Progress, part of the Burgesses Chorus from Britten’s Peter Grimes with Bergen National Opera, part of the Acting Chorus from Puts’ Silent Night with Opera North and has held semi chorus roles in Massenet’s Cendrillon and Berlioz’s Roméo et Juliette. Whilst at the RNCM James has performed in a series of Opera Scenes with noteworthy roles including Harlekin from Strauss’ Ariadne auf Naxos, Guglielmo from Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte, Henry from Weil’s Street Scene and as a member of the chorus in Handel’s Alcina and Serse. In March 2019 James also organised a collaborative concert with his local church, St Thomas’ Mellor, in which he performed scenes from Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro.
Alongside James’ involvement in these Operatic performances, he has taken part in numerous Masterclasses and external coaching from Brindley Sherratt, Paul Wynne Griffiths, Christopher Purves, Steve Maughan, John Savournin and Philip Voldman. During COVID-19 lockdown James was thankful to take part in BYO’s online summer workshop in August lead by Will Kerely and Liz Rowe and more recently James was involved in a series of Opera North online weekend residencies in April and June led by Annabel Arden, Annette Saunders, Aletta Collins and Nicholas Kok.
In addition to James’ passion for music, he is also an avid walker, runner and football enthusiast. Following completion of his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award James has aspirations to walk the Pennine Way.
James Holt appears by kind permission of the RNCM.
James is a 24 year old Baritone presently studying for a Masters degree on the MMus Performance course at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) generously supported Allice Orrell and A&K Kendall Award and under the tutelage of Peter Alexander Wilson. Last year he graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree with Honours in Performance at the RNCM.
During his studies James has had several notable engagements including; the role of Schaunard from Puccini’s La Bohème with North Wales Opera Studio, Marchese D’Obigny from Verdi’s La Traviata with Hampstead Garden Opera (which toured to Modica, Sicily), Envy from Vaughan Williams’ Pilgrim’s Progress, part of the Burgesses Chorus from Britten’s Peter Grimes with Bergen National Opera, part of the Acting Chorus from Puts’ Silent Night with Opera North and has held semi chorus roles in Massenet’s Cendrillon and Berlioz’s Roméo et Juliette. Whilst at the RNCM James has performed in a series of Opera Scenes with noteworthy roles including Harlekin from Strauss’ Ariadne auf Naxos, Guglielmo from Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte, Henry from Weil’s Street Scene and as a member of the chorus in Handel’s Alcina and Serse. In March 2019 James also organised a collaborative concert with his local church, St Thomas’ Mellor, in which he performed scenes from Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro.
Alongside James’ involvement in these Operatic performances, he has taken part in numerous Masterclasses and external coaching from Brindley Sherratt, Paul Wynne Griffiths, Christopher Purves, Steve Maughan, John Savournin and Philip Voldman. During COVID-19 lockdown James was thankful to take part in BYO’s online summer workshop in August lead by Will Kerely and Liz Rowe and more recently James was involved in a series of Opera North online weekend residencies in April and June led by Annabel Arden, Annette Saunders, Aletta Collins and Nicholas Kok.
In addition to James’ passion for music, he is also an avid walker, runner and football enthusiast. Following completion of his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award James has aspirations to walk the Pennine Way.
James Holt appears by kind permission of the RNCM.
RNCM - ROYAL NORTHERN COLLEGE OF MUSIC
The RNCM is a leading international conservatoire located in the heart of Manchester, with a reputation for attracting talented students, teachers, conductors and composers from all over the world.
Now in its fifth decade, the RNCM is relatively young, but its rich history spans back to 1893 when Sir Charles Hallé founded the Royal Manchester College of Music. In 1973, this institution merged with the Northern School of Music, and the RNCM was born. Today, the College is a thriving conservatoire with around 320 teaching staff and over 900 students from nearly 60 different countries.
www.rncm.ac.uk/
The RNCM is a leading international conservatoire located in the heart of Manchester, with a reputation for attracting talented students, teachers, conductors and composers from all over the world.
Now in its fifth decade, the RNCM is relatively young, but its rich history spans back to 1893 when Sir Charles Hallé founded the Royal Manchester College of Music. In 1973, this institution merged with the Northern School of Music, and the RNCM was born. Today, the College is a thriving conservatoire with around 320 teaching staff and over 900 students from nearly 60 different countries.
www.rncm.ac.uk/
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