Musical Director
Simon Twiselton
Trained at the Royal College of Music under Phyllis Sellick, Alan Ridout and Sir David Willcocks. He has pursued a varied musical life in the spheres of composing, choral conducting, musical theatre, accompanying, coaching, chamber music and teaching.
As well as being Musical Director of the Durweston Choral Society, he led Wincanton Choral Society for 19 years and was the founding conductor of the Chamber choir Spectra Musica. He has worked extensively in Musical Theatre and was MD for the Musical Theatre Academy for many years. Having originally been appointed as Choral Animateur for West Sussex Music Service, he spent two years directing the County Youth Choirs and worked as the County’s Choral Co-ordinator.
As an accompanist he has worked with many singers including Rosalind Plowright & Jean Rigby. His educational work has included tutoring on orchestral and instrumental courses as well as directing vocal workshops throughout the UK. Simon is a visiting teacher at Sherborne School for Girls where he teaches the piano.
Under his working name of S.K.Twiselton, he is a published composer and has recently completed a Fantasy-Toccata for piano, Recitative, Aria and Finale for bassoon and piano, Overlooking the River Stour for baritone obbligato, SATB choir and strings (a commission from the Durweston Choral Society to celebrate its 25th Anniversary) and ‘a stitch in time’ a song cycle for Voice and Harp which was premiered in July 2019. He is currently working on a String Quartet and a full stage Musical ‘Purple, White and Green’.
Committee Members
Lizzie Patterson Chair
I have been a Member of Durweston Choral Society since 2010 and have loved the variety of programme each year, particularly with the challenges presented by a smaller choir. Taking on the Chairmanship this season will enable me to further inspire others with the delight of choral singing and help put on our wonderful concerts.
Lynda Bates Treasurer
I have worked in Finance for the past 32 years in a variety of industries including 10 years practice in London, 10 years at Whitbread Plc in the leisure sector, 2 years at Barclays Plc in Poole and currently 10 years in the housing sector.
I joined Durweston Choral Society 7 years ago and have been their Treasurer for 5 years. Singing is one of the hobbies I enjoy over the winter months and gardening is the activity that keeps me out of mischief in the summer.
John Graham Publicity
28 years as a manager with BBC Film Unit was followed by 20 years managing the transition to digital technology for the European Cinema industry. First introduction to choral singing was courtesy of DCS when the wrong side of 60. As part of DCS Committee, I look after publicity.
Valerie Horton Secretary
I joined Durweston Choral Society 7 years ago and have recently joined the Committee. My role is minute taker. In my previous life I worked for the Government in the Cabinet Office.
I love singing and have always been involved with choirs and musical theatre. So when we moved to Dorset I discovered a gem in Durweston Choral Society.
Roger Healing Front of House
After serving 15 years with HM Forces in Borneo, BAOR, Holland and UK, I worked 32 years as a Technical Illustrator with Haynes Publishing. In retirement I enjoy caravanning, sugar craft, cake decorating, bell ringing and singing with the DCS.
Nicky Hunter Social Secretary
It is one of my winter hobbies which I love. DCS is a perfect, small friendly choir and I have been social secretary for over 25 years.
The committee represents the broader membership of Durweston Choral Society.
