MUSIC DIRECTOR

Clare Oliver studied Music and Voice at Leeds University, Kings College, London and the Royal Academy of Music. She has performed as a soprano soloist in operas, oratorios and recitals, appearing on BBC 1, Channel 4 and Radio 4.

She is committed to raising money for local charities; performances have included North Waltham Church for Mencap, Winchester Cathedral for Teenage Cancer Charity Trust, Chute Lodge for Wharf Children and the Alzheimer’s Society and St Mary’s Andover for Anton Rotary Club.

Clare is passionate about music education and has taught singing and piano for over 30 years. She is founder and MD of Andover Ladies Choir and has been the MD for Farleigh School Chapel Choir for over 17 years. She also ran Andover Youth Choir. Clare gives regular singing workshops including for Andover Kids on Track, Cheltenham Children’s Choir, Andover Rocks and Andover Crisis Centre. She has taken choirs to performances and festivals throughout the UK and Europe.

Clare is also a qualified Vocal Health First Aider who actively promotes good singing practice and maintaining a healthy voice

 

ACCOMPANIST

Jonathan Hedgecock was born and brought up in Basingstoke.  He started learning to play the piano when he was six and worked through the graded exams, passing Grade 8 when he was 18.  He then embarked on a career in finance within the papermaking industry while keeping up the piano as a hobby.

Having joined Hampshire Harmony when it was Basingstoke Ladies' Choir as accompanist in December 1982, Jonathan cannot imagine life without it.  He has done many arrangements for the choir which, popular with audiences, the ladies enjoy singing.  He has been pleased to accompany the choir on their many overseas trips.
It is thanks to the choir that Jonathan met his wife Yvonne, who joined for a few years as a member.  He enjoys spending time with Yvonne and their son Matthew, both of whom are great fans of the choir.