Biographical Notes
Robert T. Elliott - Musical Director
Robert was born and grew up in South Wales as part of a musical family where he got his first taste of male choirs (his father was, and still is a Tenor in the Newport Male Voice Choir!).
From Head Chorister at St. John the Evangelist, Maindee, and Bandmaster of the Borough of Newport Pipes and Drums, Robert conducted the massed male choirs at the National Eisteddfod in Newport in 1987 at the age of only 21.
Robert is a former trombonist of the Band of the 3rd(v) Battn. Royal Regiment of Wales, and former Conductor of Newport, Snowdown (Kent), and Swindon Male Choirs, with whom he conducted both the Choir and English National Symphony Orchestra at the Wiltshire Festival in 1999.
Mary New - Principal Accompanist
Mary New studied at the Royal College of Music, London, 1960-1964.
Her specialist studies included pianoforte, harpsichord, clarinet and piano accompaniment with ensemble playing. She worked with Dr. Reginald Jacques as his choral ensemble pianist, and distinguished herself amongst fellow students as a recital accompanist, winning the coveted 'Ivor Newton' award in 1963.
Mary pursued her love of teaching with a Post-Graduate year at London University, gaining a diploma in primary and secondary education in 1965.
Following twenty years of specialisation in the teaching of schools' music, Mary became Adviser for music in Wiltshire and a schools' inspector working for OFSTED during the implementation of the National Curriculum. Her role was to equip and train staff to deliver the requirements of the government through sharing good practice and leading training courses for teachers and pupils.
Throughout her career Mary has been able to balance the demands of a performer and teacher, working with choirs, soloists, ensembles and production teams. She has been fortunate to enjoy the total support of a musical family.
Wessex are honoured to have such a dedicated and wonderful musician at the piano.
Christine Williams - Accompanist
Chris began playing the piano at the age of eight. She studied music at Liverpool University and followed that with a year at Gipsy Hill College of Education.
After a number of years of classroom teaching she now teaches piano privately to both adults and children and is actively involved in the musical life of the local community.
Chris has been accompanying Highworth Choral Society since 1984 and is delighted to be the assistant accompanist of Wessex Male Choir.