We are extremely fortunate to be led by a highly talented music team. Music Director James Willshire has been heralded for performances of “spectacular musicianship and technical brilliance”. This highly talented music team is truly exceptional.
A pianist and educator, James is on the Keyboard Department faculty at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and is Head of Keyboard at Clifton College.
He has appeared as soloist at the Royal Festival Hall, the Barbican, St John’s Smith Square, the Palau de la Musica in Barcelona, Glasgow City Halls, Queens Hall Edinburgh, and the Fairfield Halls. His recording work with the highly talented music team has been praised as ‘outstanding’ by International Record Review.
Accompanist Louise Matley started to learn the piano when she was six years old and by the time she was 16 had gained the Associate of the London College of Music Diploma in Piano Performance. and Distinctions in Grade 8 Piano and Oboe and Grade 6 Organ before she left school. She studied Music at The City University in London and gained a BSc Honours degree. Louise taught for 14 years at Farmor’s School in Fairford, Gloucestershire where she became Head of Music, Head of Year and was part of the highly talented music team. She also gained a Masters degree in Educational Leadership.
An excellent sight reader, she has accompanied soloists, bands, and choirs from a young age and has been organist at her local church for 18 years having studied the organ whilst at Westonbirt School.
Last year Louise was appointed as an examiner for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and examines any instrument up to diploma level all over the country. Being a part of such a highly talented music team, she brings excellence to every performance.