Who's Who

Musical Director

Craig Lawton

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Craig Lawton has been our musical director since 2008. He also currently holds positions with the Conchord Singers, Charity Symphony Orchestra and Christ Church Freemantle. He initially studied with Dr John Traill and later at the University of Southampton with Robin Browning, where he was Assistant Conductor to the University of Southampton Symphony Orchestra and Sinfonietta, and the City of Southampton Orchestra. 

​In conjunction with a busy conducting schedule, Craig has great enthusiasm for music projects, especially organising collaborative projects between ensembles and musicians that share his passion and ethos. This passion is shared, encouraged and brought to life with friend and colleague Paul Ingram. Between them, the dynamic duo have undertaken two epic musical marathons for charity; Haydathon and Beethovathon; performing all symphonies by the two heavyweight composers and raising well over £6,000 for Comic Relief.

More about Craig

LEADer

Sarah Noble became our leader (for the second time) in 2021.  She has been playing in the Winchester Chamber Orchestra since 2007 with a few short breaks for children and a longer break recently for time in Australia and the subsequent ‘re-entry’. Playing (and eating biscuits) with the WCO family is a highlight of her week, giving some light relief from the day (and night) job as an A&E doctor.
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The Committee and other volunteers

The orchestra is managed by an elected volunteer committee who share the responsibility of making sure everything runs smoothly and of looking after the interests of the members. We acknowledge the contribution of the following.

Current committee members
Becky Lynch               - Chair
Bevis Clarke-Smith   - Treasurer
Tim Banks                   - Secretary, Web Site, email marketing
Jackie Hill                    - Membership Secretary
                                       - Publicity, posters and flyers
                                       - Social media marketing
ex-officio 
Sarah Noble                - Leader 
Craig Lawton              - Musical Director, concert programmes
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OrganiserOther Valuable Volunteers
Debbie Blitz        - Rehearsal Tea Organiser
Mark Banks         - Concert Programme notes
Andrew Salmon - Librarian