meet the member
Alistair Grearson,
2nd Tenor
How did you come to join the choir?
When I came to Coventry I looked for a choir to join and saw a poster for St Michael’s Singers. I applied for an audition as I had gained an introduction to choral singing at King’s School Rochester, followed by widespread opportunities at Glasgow University, including the privilege of being a founder member of the Edinburgh Festival Chorus in 1965.
How long have you been singing with CCC?
I first joined what was then St Michael’s Singers under David Lepine in 1968. I left in 1988 due to work travel and family commitments. I rejoined the choir in 2003, when bumping into Paul Leddington Wright after a service at which I was depping in the Cathedral choir. Thus I am now in my 38th year of membership, despite my15 year long sabbatical.
What's your favourite piece of choral music?
Bach’s music is amazing to me and the
B minor Mass remains my most favourite choral piece. But dear old Handel comes a very close second.
What do you most enjoy about CCC?
I enjoy the wide ranging music which Paul, our conductor asks us to sing at many concerts and venues. Singing in collaboration with other choirs and meeting their singers has been a particular pleasure, including some from Europe and the US. Our weekly rehearsals are always fun and I enjoy the camaraderie amongst our members.
What was your first concert with the choir?
In December 1968 under David Lepine I sang in a memorable performance of Bach’s B minor Mass as one of 12 or 14 tenors in a choir of around 125 singers.
Outside of the choir what do you do?
I retired from my position of Research Metallurgist at Sandvik in 2012. Since then I have been able to develop my music interests, particularly attending concerts, ballets and organ recitals at the Cathedral. My two busy daughters, who both live in London, keep me more than occupied with granddaughter minding and DIY projects. One or two commutes to London per week are the order of the day. For my sins I am also an active Wasps Rugby supporter!
Eleanor Hodgson,
1st Soprano
How did you come to join the choir?
I heard about the choir from my good friend Louise who is also a CCC 1st Soprano. I'd been involved in several CCC concerts too before deciding to see if I could become an official member.
How long have you been singing with CCC?
I have been a official member of Coventry Cathedral Chorus for only a couple of seasons but it feels a lot longer because of how much we've done!
What was your most exciting experience with CCC?
I adored sing the Chilcott Saint John Passion in 2018, I fell in love with the piece and it was made extra special as the composer himself, Bob Chilcott, was in the audience.
What do you most enjoy about CCC?
The privilege of being under the guidance of such an amazing Director of Music, Paul Leddington-Wright, and being able to experience singing such wonderful works with brilliant orchestras in stunning venues.
What was your first concert with the choir?
The first performance where I sang with the Chorus itself was the BBC Big Sing at the Royal Albert Hall in 2017. (Amazing!)
Outside of the choir what do you do?
I am continuing my studies of all things musical in the hopes of living and breathing classical music for the rest of my life!