Singers are on the look-out for a new pianist

THE Holme Valley Singers are searching for a new pianist.

The singers, led by music director Kim Kaye, are a mixed voice choir formed 42 years ago.

They have performed at the Royal Albert Hall, the BBC and performed abroad in Belgium, France and Italy.

The choir also attends festivals throughout the north of England in addition to arranging concerts locally, often in collaboration with local musicians and more nationally renowned professionals such as the Army’s Band of the King’s Division.

Kim, who studied piano at the Royal Academy of Music and as a post graduate studied piano accompaniment, has been with the choir for more than 20 years.

Past accompanists include Barry Russell, Jane Robertson and Sue Ogden.

Barry has developed his career as a composer and music lecturer and worked with the BBC Philharmonic and a number of orchestras nationwide.

Jane developed a piano teaching career specialising in accompaniment both for soloists and for choirs.

Sue is currently accompanying the Holme Valley Singers on a temporary basis.

The choir’s most recent accompanist, Chris Pulleyn, joined in 2011 and left in September this year.

Chris is an accompanist, a tenor singer and has developed his musical career in Yorkshire since returning from two years working in Japan. He works as resident accompanist for Greenhead College.

Choir chairman David Brown said: “We are looking for a pianist who is either an accomplished accompanist or someone wanting to develop their accompanying skills.

“The applicant will gain experience with a long established choir who perform complex harmonic pieces in a variety of settings and as shown by our previous pianists, can lead to a career development throughout the north of England and beyond.”

The successful applicant will be paid professional fees for rehearsals and for concerts and competitions.

The choir rehearses each Tuesday evening during term time at Holmfirth High School from 7pm to 9pm.

Applicants can discuss the post with Kim Kaye on 07759 226933 or contact Holme Valley Singers at secretary @ holmevalleysingers.co.uk