About
About
Andrew Foxley
Conductor
Andrew became our conductor in 2017 and brought a lot of experience and fun to the choir. He studied voice and conducting at Nottingham University and while there he also studied conducting with Norman Del Mar. In 1987, when still an undergraduate, he was appointed artistic director and conductor of the Nottingham Chamber Orchestra, a post which he still holds today. Over the years, he has expanded the orchestra’s repertoire by programming some rarely played pieces for appreciative audiences. He has worked with international soloists such as Ronan O’Hora and Allan Schiller, as well as providing opportunities for young artists.
Andrew’s day-time career is in medical research, and with this came a move to Cambridge in 2015. Andrew took the opportunity to become part of the musical life of Cambridge as a member of the Cambridge Philharmonic Chorus, Wolfson College Choir, and, more recently, as conductor of the Accorde chamber choir. He has also returned to vocal studies and is currently receiving tuition from Lynette Alcántara.
Jan Moore
Choir Leader
Jan is a founder member of Accorde and the main point of contact for concert enquiries and potential new members. A very experienced singer, she studied music and drama in Leicester. She regularly sings with the Cambridge Philharmonic Chorus, where she leads the choir warm-ups, and with the Ely Cathedral Octagon Singers. As a soloist she often sings at weddings and gives concerts with small groups of instrumentalists. If it involves singing, then Jan will be there.
Geoff Forster
Treasurer
Geoff is a founder member of Accorde and has a business background.
Philip Johnston
Secretary
Philip joined Accorde in 2018, with an academic and administrative background. Having retired in 2021, he is able to help with the admin of the choir and its committee.
Cathy Ashbee
Chorus Rep
Cathy is a founder member and former secretary of Accorde, and also sings with the Cambridge Philharmonic Chorus. When not singing, she manages the Cambridge University Press Bookshop.
Mentors and Friends
We acknowledge the following professional musicians who have worked with the choir in the past, or who provide vocal training to some of its members.
Patrick Johansson
Patrick was our conductor in 2015-16, and now teaches, plays and conducts in Beijing.
Christophe Karas
Christophe was our conductor in 2016-17, and is now Director of Music at St George's College, University of Western Australia, Perth.
Chris Knowles
Chris Knowles was a mentor for many members for years, and now lives in Northumberland.
Lynette Alcántara
Lynette Alcántara (www.lynettealcantara.com)
is a Cambridge-based professional musician who occasionally helps with tuition and rehearsals.