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The Choir

Penzance Choral Society is a mixed choir of some 70 voices. We perform twice a year, once during the Spring and again at Christmas, and sing a wide variety of repertoire with recent concerts including works by Bach, Handel, Haydn, Puccini, Mozart, Elgar, Verdi and Vaughn Williams. Our principal venue is St Mary's Church, Penzance, seen above with the Society performing at our 2004 Spring concert.

Timothy Hosken - Musical Director

Tim has been making music all his life and when at Humphry Davy Grammar School was a member of the school choir and orchestra, and also Falmouth Youth Orchestra and the Cornwall Youth Orchestra. His music teacher at Humphry Davy was Russell Jory who is now President of Penzance Choral Society.

On leaving school Tim joined the Penzance Orchestral Society and the Cornwall Symphony Orchestra and also played in local Operatic Societies at St Ives, Penzance, Redruth and Falmouth. Tim went on to become Chorus Master of St Ives Operatic Society and then Musical Director, a post he held for seven years. Tim has also been involved with local choirs as a singer and accompanist and formed the St Just Circuit Choir which he conducted for eight years.

Tim has been Musical Director of Penzance Choral Society since September 2000 and is also Musical Director of Marazion Male Voice Choir, a position he has held since February 2003. In the Summer of 2005 Tim was awarded the Cornwhylan Cross for musical performances which include a religious element. The Cross was presented by the Grand Bard at the 2005 Open Gorseth. The members of Penzance Choral Society are delighted that Tim has recieved this well deserved award.

Paul Marks Joffe - Accompanist and
Deputy Musical Director.

Paul grew up in Penzance, attending Humphry Davy School and Helston College. He has been involved in music from a young age - a member of various choirs, theatre groups, and Helston School Jazz Orchestra, as singer and bass player. From 2003 to 2006 he attended Cardiff University. Here he gained a First Class Honours Degree, Bachelor of Music (BMus Hons) and was awarded several scholarships for 'outstanding entrance qualifications'; academic results; and 'the promotion and encouragement of music'. He also gained a DipABRSM for Piano Performance in 2005.

He now accompanies several local groups, plays in an orchestra, performs as a soloist and teaches piano privately, while developing an interest in community music work.

Paul's musical acumen and keyboard dexterity have contributed enormously to the choir's progress and enjoyment in rehearsals and it is a pleasure and a privilege to have him as rehearsal accompanist and Deputy Musical Director.

Russell Jory - President

Russell Jory has been President of Penzance Choral Society since June 2003 and is a highly respected figure in Cornish music making. He has recently retired as Director of Music at St Mary's Church, Penzance, where he worked for thirty five years. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists, a Licentiate of Trinity College of Music and a Cornish Bard. For many years he directed the music at Humphry Davy Grammar School and for seven years at Penwith Sixth Form College until his retirement in 1987. In that year he established the Sinfonia of St Mary's, which he continues to conduct, and began a twelve year association with the Cornwall Chamber Orchestra as Conductor.

 

Penzance Choral Society rehearsals are at 7.30pm on Friday evenings at Humphry Davy School, Coombe Road, Penzance. We are a friendly group and new members are always made very welcome. There are no auditions so come and sing with us!