The Northampton Philharmonic Choir's Musical Director
Following the retirement of Christopher Mabley, the choir’s Musical Director for 18 years, the Northampton Philharmonic Choir is excited to announce the appointment of Thomas Moore as their new Musical Director with immediate effect.
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by Karen Booth
Following the retirement of Christopher Mabley, the choir’s Musical Director for 18 years, the Northampton Philharmonic Choir is excited to announce the appointment of Thomas Moore as their new Musical Director with immediate effect.
Tom holds Bachelor of Music and Master of Arts degrees from the University of Huddersfield and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists. He has extensive choral directing experience, having held a number of cathedral organist appointments in his career, as well as working with several notable northern choral societies. In September 2022, Tom took up the post of Director of Music at St Matthew’s Church in Northampton. In this image you can see Christopher Mabley our previous Musical Director and Thomas Moore together. 
Karen Booth, chairman of the choir, said "With the appointment of Tom as our new Musical Director, the Northampton Philharmonic Choir is entering a new chapter in its long history and we are excited that he is joining us at this important time. He brings fresh energy and enthusiasm to the choir, and we are looking forward with excitement to our 2023/24 season and beyond."
Tom said “I am very much looking forward to working with Northampton Philharmonic Choir, and to starting a new chapter in its illustrious history. There is much to be done in securing the long-term future of the choir after the effects of the Covid19 pandemic – we must promptly recruit new members to the choir, enabling us to plan exciting musical challenges over the next years”.
Founded in 1896 The Northampton Philharmonic Choir has enjoyed a long history of music-making in Northampton and the surrounding area. As well as singing the standard and well-loved choral repertoire from before the twentieth century, the Choir regularly sings more contemporary choral classics. The Choir rehearses on a Tuesday evening at St Michael’s and All Angels Church, Perry Street, Northampton.
Formed in 1896 as Northampton Musical Society (NMS) the choir performed substantial choral works in local venues with choirs of up to 200 members.
The Northampton Philharmonic Choir Musical Director Thomas Moore
Musical Beginnings
Thomas Moore was born in Leicester and received his early education in the city, including lessons at the piano, organ and on the trombone. He was a chorister in Leicester Cathedral Choir. Tom went to Huddersfield University to undertake undergraduate and post graduate degrees and is a Bachelor of Music and Master of the Arts in Performance Studies. During his years at university, he occupied roles as an organ scholar in both parish church and cathedral settings and received an early invitation to broadcast on BBC television.
Development in Music
After completing his university studies, Tom pursued a career as a cathedral organist, and enjoyed many opportunities in this line of work for some 25 years. Alongside this Tom completed diplomas with the Royal College of Organists. He holds the Fellowship diploma of that revered institution. Tom also taught both keyboard and brass at several schools and was appointed University Organist at Huddersfield University where he taught organ studies for a number of years.
Musical Aspirations and Working With Singers
Tom has sustained a long-standing desire to encourage amateur music-making through his extensive work with choral societies in the last quarter of a century. He has worked with many notable ensembles and musicians in this area, particularly in the north of England to date. He is very pleased to be able to pursue this area of interest with the Northampton Philharmonic and looks forward to exciting performances with the choir.
From Choirs in Northampton to Music Around the Globe
Through music, Tom has been fortunate to have been able to travel to many countries of the world, to have recorded and broadcast music live for television and radio and on commercial labels, and to have worked in magnificent spaces with highly respected individuals and ensembles. He feels fortunate to have received such opportunities, and hopes that he has been able to, and will remain able to, inspire and encourage others though the love of making music together.
A Singing Group in Northampton that is Friendly and Fun
As the Friendliest Singing Group in Northampton The Northampton Philharmonic Choir, we aim to make all our events as fun and inclusive as possible. Just have a read of some of the fantastic comments we have received below...
| # | Name | Last Event Attended | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maria Arce-Moreira | 19 March 2022 | Really enjoyed the event. It was so wonderful to see so many happy smiling faces. |
| 2 | Hilary Bull | 14th December 2021 | I love singing in this choir because of the variety of music we sing |
| 3 | Margaret Vinton | 17th December 2019 | It was wonderful to hear everyone 'raise the roof!' 👏👩❤️👩 Keep up the good work!! |
| 4 | Roy Atkinson | 16th July 2022 | There is no better way to leave all your cares behind than to join us on a Tuesday night, take a deep breath and sing |
| 5 | Anne Widdup | 2019 June 29 (live) | Singing with the choir gives me the opportunity to sing a wide range of music with like minded people |
| 6 | Zoe Robinson | 16th July 2022 | I love singing with Northampton Philharmonic Choir as I like to learn new pieces and its challenging. I know it’s good for my mental health and gives me a lift every time. I enjoy concentrating on the music and the collective community spirit it brings working together to improve. |
| 7 | Julia Pearson | 24th November 2019 | Singing with Northampton Philharmonic Choir lifts the soul, improves one's breathing, involves meeting like-minded people. Above all we have the opportunity to sing uplifting music encouraged and guided by our conductor [with endless patience] who cares deeply about the quality of our singing. In short - a glance of heaven (assuming there will be loads of singing and praising when/if we get there!) |
| 8 | Mark Henderson | 26th June 2018 | I love the sense of satisfaction from mastering a tricky section in some of the music we sing. The achievement is incredibly rewarding. I love singing and socialising with a great group of people. The sense of fellowship and common purpose gives me real pleasure. The greatest pleasure I get from singing is on those occasions when I am overwhelmed by the emotion I feel inside which comes from some of the music we perform. |
| 9 | Sue Howes | Joining the choir was a great way to meet new people after moving to the area. The music is varied and provides exactly the right amount of challenge. NPC is good for body and soul - I highly recommend it! | |
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Other Articles by The Northampton Philharmonic Choir...
Below are some other articles by The Northampton Philharmonic Choir that you might find interesting. Check out our Concerts section too see our upcoming events and past shows. Or why not come to one of our "Come Along And Sing" Events?
Nigel Hughes
A Member of The NPCNigel Hughes is a member of the Northampton Philharmonic Choir and also enjoys attending musical performances in the Northamptonshire area. They love meeting new members, making new friends and singing. Why not contact us and get involved, either by coming along to one of our Come and Sing events, you can book tickets to one of our next concerts or why not become a member and join in the fun.
