Reg. Charity 513349
Musical Director – Elaine Robins
Since gaining her B.Mus.(Hons) Degree and PGCE Teaching Qualification, Elaine has worked as a Peripatetic Music Teacher in Primary and Secondary Schools throughout Carmarthenshire.
Elaine has been part of the music team of CMDC since 2001 and in recognition of her skill and dedication, was appointed Conductor in 2007 and Musical Director in 2008.
Piano Accompanist – Siân Davies
Siân is a graduate of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, specialising in piano accompaniment.
Over the years Siân has appeared as guest accompanist for singers such as Rebecca Evans, Gail Pearson, Donald Maxwell and has accompanied at Master classes given by Stephen Isserlis and Julian Lloyd Webber.
Assistant Accompanist - Juliet Rossiter
Juliet is a native of South Pembrokeshire and has accompanied choirs, soloists, instrumentalists and musical groups since she was 16 years old. Before her retirement Juliet was a deputy head teacher at Monkton Priory School in Pembroke and is now working as a freelance musician in the county. Besides being the Musical Director of Whitland Male Voice Choir she is currently the Pembrokeshire group leader of Côr Meibion De Cymru and also the deputy accompanist. She is also an accompanist for the Lansker Singers from Haverfordwest and an organist at Bethesda Baptist Chapel, Narberth.
The Choir’s Musical Team
Organist – Terence Gilmore-James
Terence studied music at Aberystwyth University and the Royal College of Music, London where his organ tutor was Richard Popplewell at St Paul’s Cathedral. He became Head of Music at Queen Mary’s College, Basingstoke and Director of Music at Abingdon School, Oxfordshire.
On the death of his father-in-law, the noted Welsh composer and conductor Mansel Thomas, Terence became his biographer and the editor of his publications for the Mansel Thomas Trust.
Terence has been associated with Côr Meibion De Cymru for nearly 20 years and is a regular accompanist and soloist at concerts. For details of the Mansel Thomas Trust click here.
Harpist - Kathryn Rees
Kathryn was inspired to play the harp at the age of 10 and became a National Eisteddford Winner in both solo and ensemble competitions. Kathryn graduated with a BMus (Hons) and a Dip. ABRSM in performance from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Performances as a soloist at the Royal Festival Hall and the Royal Albert Hall and the Houses of Parliament, London and recording for Welsh television and radio programmes followed. Audiences are charmed by Kathryn’s sparkling personality and exciting repertoire, which varies from classical Mozart to lively jazz. www.kathrynrees.co.uk
Assistant Conductor - Jo Herco
Jo is the conductor of the Cardiff group and a graduate from RWCMD and is a Soprano, Composer, Musical Director, Conductor and Teacher. Jo's extensive experience as a singer has taken her through opera, musical theatre, choral works, jazz and swing. Many of her compositions and arrangements continue to be performed.
