People
Chairman: Peter Maynard peterbmaynard@btinternet.com
Secretary: Kate Shepherd kdshepherd@yahoo.co.uk
Friends’ Secretary: Graham Carter graham.pzoutreach1@talktalk.net
DAVID BALL – President
Penzance Choral Society is delighted to have David Ball as their President. David was born and brought up in Cornwall later studying at York University where he received tuition on piano and organ at York Minster. He gained a teaching diploma at Bath University finally moving back to Cornwall and teaching Chemistry at Redruth Grammar School where he helped with school musical activities. David conducted Penzance Orchestral Society for 20 years then moving to the wind section, playing oboe and lately to the strings, playing viola. He is a committee member of the Cornwall Music Festival, a past president of the Cornwall Organist’s Association and has also been honoured by the Cornish Gorsedd, being awarded the Gorsedd Shield for outstanding services to music in Cornwall taking a bardic name meaning ‘Son of Chemistry and Music’.
David regularly plays the organ at St Hilary Church, which he has done since 1966, as well as at Perranuthnoe Church and also on St Michael’s Mount. He has had connections with Penzance Choral for many years playing in our orchestra for concerts and also directing the chorus at rehearsals.
KEVIN LANE – Musical Director
Kevin began his musical journey on moving to Aylesbury in 1974. Studying organ from the age of 11, he decided to become a professional musician and went on to complete his BMus, as a mature student at Goldsmith’s College University of London in 1995 before further studies took him into secondary music teaching for a further 23 years.
After moving to Cornwall in 2004, Kevin’s sabbatical from the organ only lasted for 3 months and he initially began deputising as organist for local Methodist churches. Very soon he found a position as organist at St John’s, Penzance and then St Michael’s Mount; only leaving after 14 rewarding years with the prospect of developing the well-established church choir at St. Pol de Leon, Paul where he continues to enrich and stretch their offering to the liturgy.
Kevin currently leads the well supported community choirs known as Kernow Voices based in Marazion, Helston and Truro; as well as The Piper Singers and Resurgam; a chamber choir looking to lead in sacred services where invited.
Penzance Choral is looking forward to working with Kevin in 2025/26 during his first year as Musical Director with us.
LOUISE LUING – Accompanist
Louise studied the piano at the Royal Academy of Music and completed her training at Trent Park College of Education in London. She taught music for two years before moving down to Cornwall with her family – taking early retirement! Raising her family has always been her priority in life but she has always been involved with various choirs and singing groups through church and school connections. Over the years she has taught the piano to many pupils but most of all Louise loves to play the piano herself and welcomes the opportunity to accompany Penzance Choral.