Phil is a first tenor.
"I became a member of Viva in March 2024 as a tenor. I'd been looking for an opportunity to explore new music in a chamber choir setting and since joining, I've sung some wonderful music by composers that I've had little exposure to previously. From Tallis to Tavener, Dove to Debussy, joining Viva has really opened up a whole new world of musical experiences. Highlights for me have been singing Finzi's Seven Poems of Robert Bridges and sections of the Rachmaninov Vespers (sung in Russian) and I will shortly be adding the fantastic Lauridsen 'Fire Madrigals' to my musical CV.
As well as rehearsing a wide range of often demanding repertoire, it's been great to sing with a choir of such a high standard with a musical director who really challenges and shapes us to get the best performance possible.
My singing experience started as a chorister at Newark Parish Church as a 9 year old where I remember earning my first ever pay packet of 48p for a month's singing - that was a lot of money back then. Shortly after, I became a chorister at Southwell Minster, singing six services a week and the occasional wedding. I only appreciate now what a privilege it was to sing the music of Evensong in such a glorious building.
Prior to joining Viva, I was a member of Harlequin - a local Nottingham choir - and I continue to sing with the Nottingham Harmonic Choir where I have been a member for about 20 years. With around 180 singers, it's on a completely different scale to Viva but the balance of the two is extremely rewarding and fulfilling."
As well as rehearsing a wide range of often demanding repertoire, it's been great to sing with a choir of such a high standard with a musical director who really challenges and shapes us to get the best performance possible.
My singing experience started as a chorister at Newark Parish Church as a 9 year old where I remember earning my first ever pay packet of 48p for a month's singing - that was a lot of money back then. Shortly after, I became a chorister at Southwell Minster, singing six services a week and the occasional wedding. I only appreciate now what a privilege it was to sing the music of Evensong in such a glorious building.
Prior to joining Viva, I was a member of Harlequin - a local Nottingham choir - and I continue to sing with the Nottingham Harmonic Choir where I have been a member for about 20 years. With around 180 singers, it's on a completely different scale to Viva but the balance of the two is extremely rewarding and fulfilling."