On 12th September 2021 we feature three performers who share a connection with the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Claire and Vivien both having studied there, and Robin served as a senior member of Staff, firstly as Head of Academic studies and then for many years as Head of Vocal Studies. As an accompanist and chamber music player Robin Bowman has enjoyed an international career, performing with many distinguished singers and instrumentalists, including the baritone Henry Herford with whom he recorded a two-volume CD set of the songs of Charles Ives which won a British Music Retailers Association award. Robin and Claire now live in Birmingham where Robin works for the Conservatoire, also continuing his teaching at international summer schools. Claire Bowman has a long career as recitalist and oratorio soloist in venues including the Wigmore Hall, and Vivien Chasey was for ten years a member of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, leaving the first violin section some years ago to spend more time with her daughters. She enjoys a varied musical diet of chamber music performances and teaching and is administrator of Small is Beautiful – Music, an organisation dedicated to sharing classical music in intimate venues.
Since our inauguration in 2012 we have been fortunate to enjoy music from many fine musicians and singers including: Robin Bowman (Piano), Claire Bowman (Soprano), Lulu Yang (Piano), Ian Gifford (Baritone), Vivien Chasey (Violin), Owen Little (Viola), Rebecca Whettam (cello), Dan Whibley (Double Bass), Harvey Davies (Piano), Heather Bills (Cello), Martyn Shaw (Flute), Jenny Cox (Horn), Yi Heng Yang (Piano), Max Zeugner (Double Bass), Richard Shaw (Piano), Helen Tudor (Flute), Claire Miles (Cello)