Guildford
Opera Company
Musical
Director
Director
GOC's
resident Musical Director, Kevin John, is a graduate of the Royal
Academy of Music with a wide experience of the professional performing
circuit and strong local connections. As a tenor, Kevin began his
career with the Glyndebourne Opera chorus, subsequently singing and
covering roles with companies as diverse as Kent Opera, English
National Opera, and Opera North. Prior to joining GOC in September
2003, Kevin learnt his craft working with some of the most eminent
conductors and directors including Sir Simon Rattle, Roger
Norrington, Giancarlo Menotti and Nicholas Hytner. He and his wife live
in Cranleigh, where he teaches voice and piano.
Kevin
succeeds a variety of distinguished musicians, including John Avery,
who led GOC for twenty years during the period when it forged a unique
relationship with the former WRAC Staff Band which continued until its
disbandment in 1992. Elinor Corp of Goldsmith's College then took up
the baton, conducting Carmen at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, and 'Cav
& Pag' at the Civic Hall. Christopher Findlay led the company's
first production at the newly-opened Electric
Theatre
while Peter White, Director of Music at Guildford's Royal Grammar
School, conducted many of the operas at the Civic. Prior to Kevin, GOC
was led by Oliver Parker of the University of Surrey, who took up a
position as Choirmaster at an Episcopal organisation in Connecticut in
January 2005.
Musical
Director email
link
