Philip Bellshaw declared Chair as leading choir celebrates 100 years
Birmingham Bach Choir is pleased to announce Philip Bellshaw as its new chair. The news comes as the choir begins to celebrate its 100th year.
Philip, who steps into the role during February 2019, takes over the position from Sarah Platt, who served as Chair for five years.
Residing in Sutton Coldfield, Philip is a partner at Walsall-based CMHT Solicitors where he specialises in mental health law. His wife, Marion (a second soprano), has been a member of the choir for more than 25 years, with Philip joining in 2015 (as a second bass). A keen amateur musician, outside of the choir, he also enjoys playing violin, piano and organ.
“Music has always been at the heart of my life, and I am both thrilled and honoured to become the chairman of such a fantastic choir in its centenary year,” says Philip.
“I am very much looking forward to working with our superb conductor, Paul Spicer, the amazingly supportive and committed members of the management committee – and indeed the entire choir – as we strive to make 2019 a centenary year to remember.
“There is a real buzz about the choir at the moment; the standard of music-making is superb and there is a true sense of community amongst us. It really is a privilege to be a member of such a great choir, let alone to become its chairman.”
Discussing his predecessor, Philip says: “I’d like to extend the choir’s heartfelt thanks to Sarah for her many years of service. Following in her footsteps will be difficult as she was – and is – such an organised, focussed and dynamic person.”
One of the largest and oldest chamber choirs in the West Midlands, Birmingham Bach Choir’s forthcoming concerts include Music For Passiontide (30 Mar 2019, St Philip’s Cathedral, Bham), Roderick Williams Sings Beethoven and Schubert (9 May Routh Hall, Bromsgrove), and Steal Away (22 Jun, Pershore Abbey, Worcs; 6 Jul CBSO Centre, Bham), a concert based on spirituals. Details of further centenary celebrations will be announced shortly.
For more information, see: www.birmingham.bachchoir.com
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