Staff & Organ: Nottingham Cathedral

GREGORY TRELOAR MA

Director of Music for the Diocese of Nottingham

Gregory studied music at Canterbury Christ Church University where held the Chapel Choir Conducting Scholarship for two years. During this time he received mentoring and tuition from Christopher Gower, David Flood, Patrick Russill and David Allinson. Alongside his study he was a deputy Lay Clerk for Canterbury Cathedral and graduated from CCCU with awards for highest degree, highest performance mark, and the Elizabeth Vogan Award for Singing.

He studied a Masters in English Church Music under Jonathan Wainwright at the University of York which he completed alongside a choral scholarship at Blackburn Cathedral. During this time, he specialised in English Catholic music of the 20th century, particularly the liturgical and musical influences of Sir Richard Runciman Terry and Dom Gregory Murray OSB.

Following his scholarship at Blackburn Gregory became a Choral Scholar at the beautiful Norwich Cathedral before taking up the post of the Director of Music in Nottingham.

Gregory is responsible for the music life of the Cathedral, and the delivery of the Schools Singing Programme in the diocese, aiming to expand the musical opportunities for the young people of our diocese.

CHRISTOPHER DAVIS BMUS (HONS)

Choral Director for the Diocese of Nottingham

Originally from Doncaster, Chris has played the violin and piano from a young age. Having been introduced to the organ at age 16, he became assistant organist at St Luke’s Church, Rossington a year later. He studied Music at the University of Leeds, specialising in ensemble performance and early Renaissance sacred music. Alongside his degree Chris was appointed organ scholar at Leeds Cathedral. It was here that he developed his love of the sacred choral repertoire, and where he began to work with choirs for the first time, including the cathedral choirs. He continues to give regular performances on violin, piano and organ. Now working in the Diocese of Nottingham, his aim is to offer as many children as possible the opportunity to develop be involved in the music of the church, regardless of their background.

Christopher is our leading practitioner responsible for the delivery of the Schools Singing Programme in 10 schools in the diocese. He is also director of the Mansfield Children's Choir, which is based at St Philip Neri Parish, Mansfield.

SAM GRIMES

Choral Director for the Diocese of Nottingham

Before going to University, Sam studied Classical Guitar under John Forsyth MBE in County Durham. During this time, Sam was also a member of Durham County Youth Choir where his love for choral music began. He then studied music at the University of Nottingham focusing on composition and conducting. Continuing his musical studies, Sam completed a Master’s Degree in vocal and choral composition at the University of Nottingham. During this time, one of his compositions was awarded the Bernard Slee Opera Prize.

At Nottingham, Sam studied conducting and composition under Calum Fraser, Elizabeth Kelly and Mervyn Cooke. During his studies, Sam conducted the University Chamber Choir, University Choir and the student chamber choir ‘Viva Voce’. As well as singing in these ensembles, Sam also played in, and conducted the University Philharmonic, University String Orchestra and University Sinfonia.

Since his postgraduate study, Sam has been performing on cruise ships around the world. Now, back in Nottingham, he is now looking forward to the opportunity to work with young people to give them the opportunity to be involved in the musical life of the church.

NEIL PAGE BA (Dunelm) FTCL LRAM ARCO

Organist (Organist & Director of Music from 2003 –2014)

Following his initial choral experience as a choral scholar in the choirs of Durham Cathedral and Trinity College Cambridge, Neil Page studied singing as a postgraduate student at the Royal Academy of Music. Having been Director of Music at Hurstpierpoint College and Malvern College, in 1985 he was appointed Director of Music at Uppingham School and Conductor of the 200-voice Nottingham Harmonic Society Chorus. He has conducted all the major works of the choral repertoire working with several of the principal British orchestras including the RPO, RLPO, CBSO, Halle and BBC Concert Orchestra.

He was Director of Music at St Barnabas Cathedral from 2003 – 2014, overseeing the introduction and development of the choral scholarship scheme. He has been a diploma and grade examiner for the ABRSM for over 30 years in which capacity he has toured throughout Africa and South East Asia. He is Honorary Choral Adviser to the Hong Kong Children’s Choir. In recognition of his work with youth and adult choirs he has been awarded a Winston Churchill Memorial Fellowship.

GRAEME VERNON ARMCM

Organist Emeritus

Graeme Vernon was educated in Nottingham before moving to Manchester where he studied organ at the Royal Manchester College of Music, gaining the ARMCM diploma. Whilst in Manchester he was organist and choirmaster at St Michael and all Angels, Lawton Moor, Wythenshaw, and later at the church of St Martin's, Marple Bridge, Cheshire.

Returning to Nottingham he joined the parish of St Augustine of Canterbury, New Basford as organist and later choirmaster until the church closed and was invited to Nottingham Cathedral as assistant to Peter Smedley - to take over the parish mass and to assist at the High Mass. Graeme continues at the 10am Mass, working with a small group of singers to provide a simple congregational sung mass.