Saddleworth

Musical Director

Damian Cunningham was born in Oldham where he began his musical education studying violin, viola, piano and organ. Damian graduated from Keele University with a First Class honours degree in Music and Mathematics. He was subsequently awarded a scholorship by the British Council to study for an M.Mus (Musicology) in Opera Studies, at Leeds University. He has expereince as an orchestral player and conductor, accompanist, church organist and choral conductor. He has worked extensively with young people as part of his teaching career achieving recognition in national music and drama festivals with both choirs and musical theatre productions.

in 1997, Damian was appointed Musical Director of Saddleworth Male Voice Choir. His musical expertise, enthusiasm, sense of humour and disciplined dedication to the Choir has been a stimulant and encouragement to all members. Successes in festivals and popularity in concert performances are indications of the impact he has made on the Choir. He has also been responsible for the Choir's three most recent recordings, including With A Voice Of Singing which was recorded in March 2005 the mark the Choir's 50th Anniversary. Outside the musical field Damian has also shown great flair in organising choir holidays and performances abroad.

Damian is currently Headteacher of Harrytown Catholic High School, Romiley in Stockport.

Accompanist

Scott was appointed as Accompanist in June 2010. He succeeded Sylvia Hoare on her retirement as Principal Accompanist, a role she had held since 1997. Prior to this, Scott had been Assistant Accompanist since March 2006, He is a former student of the Royal Northern College of Music Junior School, where he studied Piano, Trumpet, Composition and Harmony. He continued his studies as a member of the Royal Marines at the Royal Marines School of Music, and subsequently served as a musician in the Royal Marines Band Service from 2002 to 2005 as both a pianist and cornet player. Scott is an active member of the Salvation Army, and is Principal Accompanist for the Songsters at Oldham Roundthorn.

Rehearsal Accompanist

Sylvia studied piano at the Berkshire Conservatoire of Music, Reading, where she gained her L.R.A.M. teaching Diploma. Soon after coming to live in Saddleworth, she joined Saddleworth Musical Society and has been their principal accompanist for 40 years. She concurrently accompanied Oldham Choral Society for ten years and had been the choir's main accompanist since 1997. She retired as Principal Accompanist in June 2010 and has now taken on the role of Rehearsal Accompanist on an occasional basis.