Basingstoke Male Voice Choir is very pleased to welcome Peter Allen as its new Musical Director from January 2010 bringing his own style of teaching and conducting.

Born in East London in 1960 Peter was raised in the Salvation Army tradition, learning the piano and playing euphonium in various brass bands. He studied at Colchester Institute and has taught piano for thirty years. As well as this he has a passion for vocal music, having run a junior Salvation Army Choir and, more recently, a mixed adult Choir called "Simply Singers".

In 2001 he entered the teaching profession and has taught in Woking and Southampton where he lives. Peter's other passion is composition and in 1996 he collaborated in producing a Christmas musical which has subsequently been published.

Accompanist
Paul Wright

Paul was born in Nottingham and developed a keen interest in the organ during his time at Southwell Minster Grammar School. He continued his organ studies in Winchester with Alwyn Surplice, Hugh Benham and James Lancelot and in 1975 was appointed Organist at St. Mary’s Church Old Basing (a post he still holds). Two years later he became principal accompanist to the Basingstoke Male Voice Choir and has accompanied them in most of their concerts both at home and abroad ever since. He has also been Organist at his local village church in Steventon since 1987.

Paul has established a considerable reputation as a particularly sympathetic and adaptable organist/accompanist and is consequently always in great demand. His engagements have taken him to many of the south’s great concert halls and cathedrals, including several appearances at the mighty organ in the Royal Albert Hall.

In 2001 Paul and his wife Marilyn were both presented with a Mayor’s Award for their outstanding contribution to music within the Borough of Basingstoke.