Registered Charity No. 1001958
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Our Conductor

Christopher Walker

Christopher Walker has combined a successful teaching career with a busy musical schedule as a violinist, conductor, singer and viola player. He was awarded an LEA scholarship to Chetham's School in Manchester at the age of nine, and was a chorister at the Cathedral there for five years. Whilst a student at The University of Hull he specialised in musical performance, studying conducting with Robert Marchant, and violin with Frederick Applewhite and Louis Carus.

Chris has conducted Benson Choral Society since 1975, and during that time he has taught locally, first at Wallingford School, and from 1978 to 2001 as Director of Music at The Henley College. He has been heavily involved in much local music making as conductor and viola player, including conducting Henley Choral Society for several years. From 2000 – 2006 he was Musical Director of Reading Youth Orchestra..

Chris examines across the UK and abroad for ABRSM, most recently in Hong Kong.

Our Accompanist

Anita D'Attellis

Anita read music at the University of Birmingham, graduating with first class honours and winning the Arnold Goldsborough Prize. The University awarded her the Barber Scholarship to study at the Royal Academy of Music, where she specialised in piano accompaniment.

She is a skilled choir accompanist, currently performing with Spectra Musica and the Somerset Chamber Choir, and as guest accompanist to the London Welsh Male Voice Choir. She has collaborated with a variety of instrumentalists and solo singers, with performances in prestigious venues such as the Royal Festival Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Snape Maltings, and the Royal Albert Hall.

Anita is an experienced music teacher, starting her professional career as Head of Music at Trevor-Roberts School, Primrose Hill, and later, Head of Keyboard at Sherborne Girls, Dorset. She has now relinquished her full-time teaching to concentrate on a performing career; her solo repertoire this year focuses on Chopin, and also Liszt, in this his 200th anniversary year. Alongside her recitals, she teaches piano at Charterhouse and Eton College.