Craig Lawton - Musical Director
Craig Lawton took over as musical director of Conchord Singers in 2010. A lively and enthusiastic conductor, he also currently holds positions with Romsey Sinfonietta, Winchester Chamber Orchestra, Charity Symphony Orchestra and Andover Choral Society.
Craig initially studied with Dr John Traill and later at the University of Southampton where he studied conducting with Robert Browning and organ with Sarah Baldock. He has continued to develop his skills with Jason Lai in London, Prof. Colin Metters (RAM) and most recently with Neil Ferris.
2022 saw his Royal Albert Hall debut as part of the Teenage Cancer Trust series. In Europe he has enjoyed podium time in Norway, France, Berlin, Bulgaria and mosr recently in Milan with the Charity Symphony Orchestra.
In conjunction with a busy conducting schedule, Craig makes time for charitable music projects. In 2016 he spearheaded the “Oncology Choir”, formed of staff from Southampton’s University Hospital oncology department, to fundraise for the revolutionary new ‘Centre for Cancer immunology’. The choir made its debut at a black tie dinner in Novemebr 2016. In conjunction with a friend and colleague, Paul Ingram, he also organised four musical marathons at the Turner Sims in Southampton: Haydathon (2009), Beethovathon (2015), Orchestral Decathlon (2017) and Tchaikathon (2023).
Off the podium, Craig is a member of CAMRA, an avid film fan and enjoys walking. When not rehearsing or performing, you can often find Craig in a local watering hole enjoying a pint of real ale with friends.
Rosie Woods - Assistant Conductor
Chris Bluemel - Accompanist
Chris Bluemel studied piano with Martin Penrose, and then Joan Dixon at University of York, where he gained a degree and the DipARBSM in piano. After initially teaching A-Level Music classes, he now spends his life teaching piano, violin and guitar in schools and privately. Over the years, he has played in orchestras, jazz groups and theatre pit bands. He is the rehearsal accompanist for the Conchord Singers, and bass player for the protest folk band Seize The Day, with whom he has played at the Glastonbury Festival many times.
