Orthopaedic Male Voice Choir

About The Choir:

Formed in 1968, the Orthopaedic Male Voice Choir (OMVC) was originally made up of employees of the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital, known locally as the ’Orthopaedic’. Currently we comprise around 30 Choristers from all backgrounds, most of whom live in the Oswestry area. With very few having previous musical experience. The Choir perform around Shropshire and surrounding counties giving concerts in support of various charities and organisations. They have also performed in the Royal Albert Hall, Manchester MEN Arena, Theatre Severn and the Hermon Arts Centre. Our Repertoire comprises timeless Standards , popular Songs and Songs from the Musicals. Over the years we have helped raise many thousands of pounds for good causes. We are still hosted by the hospital, and regularly help the League of Friends in their fundraising.

Nick Turner (Musical Director)

Nick’s musical education began as a chorister in the choir of Canterbury Cathedral. He also studied the organ there under Phillip Moore and Stephen Darlington becoming a church organist at the age of 15. After graduating from Nottingham University with a degree in Music, he worked for several years in music publishing in London before retraining as a primary teacher specialising in Music. He taught in several London schools, eventually becoming the headteacher of a large first & middle school. In 2007 he moved to Shropshire to take up another headship in Oswestry and since 2013 he has run his own music education business teaching woodwind and piano both privately and in local primary and secondary schools. Nick has been heavily involved in music making throughout his life and has been the Musical Director of the Orthopaedic Male Voice Choir since 2019.

Cath Wilson (Accompanist)

Catherine Wilson, B.Ed, has been principal Accompanist of the Orthopaedic Choir for more than 20 years. Catherine was born in the Oswestry area and studied Music in Cardiff before returning to the Town where she is a Primary School Teacher.

New Members are always welcome. We rehearse on Thursday evenings and further information can be obtained via our Secretary, Andy Young on 01691 671290 or via our website www.omvc.org.uk

And Our Guests

This evening the choir will be joined by very special guests The Clefhangers, a youth choir directed by Sue Turner.

Sue was born in Blackpool and studied piano, singing and cello. After graduating from Nottingham University with a degree in Music and Languages, she worked in schools in Harrow, London for 16 years. Eventually she became head teacher of an independent secondary school where she remained until moving up to Shropshire in 2007.

At this point, after her own children had grown up, Sue stepped off the career ladder to become a foster carer, but at the same time she set up as a freelance music teacher in Oswestry. Sue teaches singing at Oswestry School as well as GCSE Music and some piano. She teaches a variety of vocal styles including classical and Musical Theatre and is a great believer in the therapeutic aspects of singing as well as the value of exams for those who wish to take them.

Sue is also the director of the annual Oswestry Youth Music Festival and runs her own youth choir, The Clefhangers. Sue is a trustee of a new charity, Music Matters in Oswestry and the Borderlands (Music MOB), which aims to provide accessible instrumental and vocal music teaching to children in the local area.