our leadership
I have been singing with Cawthorne Choral Society for over fifteen years and have been Chair for over ten
I love the challenge that singing in the tenor section brings and have performed solos on occasions
I have seen a good many changes over the years, particularly around Covid and I’m proud that the Choir survived this period.
I think the ability to encompass new ideas and change, whilst still remaining, at our core, a solid, learning choir making a great sound is what is so good about
Cawthorne Choral
Looking to the centenary and beyond, I see the choir continually developing and taking our music out to the audience rather than them just coming into Cawthorne. We are continuing to explore and interpret challenging pieces, extending our repertoire and moving forwards in our own unique way
John Tordoff - Chair
Chris is a West Yorkshire-based tenor studying with Paul Nilon. A former Lincoln Cathedral chorister, he gained a first-class Music degree from the University of Sheffield before holding positions at Wakefield and Manchester Cathedrals.
He now enjoys a varied career in oratorio, recital and choral music, with recent performances including Bach’s St John Passion, Verdi’s Requiem, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, Handel’s Messiah and Schubert’s Winterreise. Chris has performed with ensembles including Stile Antico and the Armonico Consort and is founder and director of the nationally acclaimed Tallis Consort, as well as director of Cawthorne Choral Society.
An experienced vocal teacher and choral director, he has held teaching and directing roles at Sheffield and Wakefield Cathedrals and currently teaches singing at Gateways School alongside his private practice.
Chris Why - Musical Director
Charlie joined Cawthorne Choral Society as accompanist in 2023 and is now also our assistant MD
Based in Wakefield, Charlie’s musical journey began as a chorister at Wakefield Cathedral where he was finalist in the BBC Young Chorister of the Year competition for two consecutive years
Charlie is a choral scholar with the Tallis Choral Foundation and is currently studying at Manchester Royal College of Music, expanding his performance and academic horizons
Charlie is a part of our programme supporting young musicians
"Holding the position of Accompanist and Assistant Musical Director at Cawthorne Choral Society provides me with valuable experience alongside my studies at the RNCM in Manchester
It allows me to further develop my musical communication and the ability to respond sensitively to both our conductor and the choir. It also gives me the opportunity to conduct and lead occasional rehearsals
As a first-study singer, accompanying also gives me a deeper understanding of choral repertoire and the relationship between vocal and instrumental parts, which in turn informs my own approach to performance
The experience is helping me to become a more versatile, confident and musically aware musician, while gaining valuable practical experience in leadership and working within a choral environment”
Charlie Trueman -
Accompanist &
Assistant Musical Director
‘I love every Wednesday evening. I love the music, the sound that we make when a piece finally clicks into place, and I love the friendship of my fellow choral singers. If you’re thinking of joining us or just want to come along for a taster session, please do, you won’t be disappointed’ Sue
Howden Minster 2025
supporting young musicians
Fenella Todd
Fenella is a Manchester based Soprano, studying with Catherine Mikic. She currently sings with the Tallis Choral Foundation, Ad Solem and Somnium, and was formerly a member of both the National Youth Choir and Hallé Choir
Currently in her final year studying Music at the University of Manchester, Fenella has just completed a year as Assistant Conductor of the University Chorus and Symphony Orchestra, and in September begins a new position as Conductor of both the auditioned Chamber Choirs
She is also the Founder and Director of Aetheris Ensemble. She has received masterclass training with many top professionals, such as Neil Ferris, Daniel Parsley and William Dawes, and has also completed an assistantship with Salford Choral Society. Fenella is thrilled to be joining Cawthorne Choral Society as a Guest Conductor, and is grateful for the fantastic development opportunity, as she completes her undergraduate studies and hopes to study conducting further after graduation
supporting local charities
We work hard to support local charities and are delighted to have raised money for them at our concerts:
Yorkshire Air Ambulance
Support Dogs
Cawthorne Church Roof Appeal
BIADS
Woodhead Mountain Rescue
Yorkshire Air Ambulance
Royal National Institute for the Blind
Exodus Project
Children's Society
Barnsley Hospice
“The Cawthorne Choral Society performances that I’ve attended have always been really enjoyable. The music that I’m familiar with feels like a welcoming, homecoming hug and the music that is new to me is always exciting and intriguing. The choir and MD always appear to be having a good time and this enthuses us, the audience, to look forward to the next performance”
Janet L.
‘You always know you’re going to get proper choral music, some familiar, some less so, but always a choir pushing themselves to the highest standards’.
Jane W.
‘I have had the pleasure of attending several concerts and have been privileged to hear some wonderful guest soloists just starting out on their careers and being given opportunities to perform with the choir.’
Mark W.