About Phoenix Singers
Phoenix Singers was founded by Framlingham based musician and teacher the late Malcolm Russell in 1976. Malcolm saw no reason why the physiological and social benefits of choral singing should not be shared widely in a choir striving at the same time for excellence in performance.
Phoenix Singers has remained true to its founder's vision and developed an understanding of the place and role of the organisation in the community from which it draws its members and audience and which it enriches through its performances and outreach.
Phoenix Singers was granted charitable status in 1999.
Each year since its foundation Phoenix Singers has presented and performed in at least three public concerts, interrupted only during the Covid 19 pandemic in 2020-21. The choir celebrated its 40th anniversary with a sell out performance of Monteverdi Vespers and is looking forward to its golden jubilee in 2026.
We enjoy the challenge of exploring our rich choral heritage in a fun, relaxed and supportive environment and welcome new singers of all voices.
Welcome from the Chair
It’s my pleasure to welcome you to Phoenix Singers - a warm, welcoming community where voices unite in friendship and song. Our rich tradition of music-making thrives, thanks to singers from all backgrounds, and we warmly invite you to join us, whether you’re here to enjoy our concerts or to become a member.
Come experience the joy, harmony and friendship that make our choir so special.
With warmest regards
Penny Cook
Chair
Music Director
Tom Appleton sits as the Freelance Representative on the Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub Executive Board. He is the Young Sounds UK Connector for Norfolk and Suffolk, a Music for Youth Ambassador, and recently acted as a judge of the Abu Dhabi Young Musician of the Year award.
Tom began his performance career as a chorister at St. Paul's Cathedral, before joining the National Youth Choir of Great Britain whilst at Gresham's School. Tom went on to read Music at the University of York, and then joined Gramophone Music Magazine's 'World's Best Choir' - the Monteverdi Choir - where he sang under Sir John Eliot Gardner for 10 years, including at Carnegie Hall and as a soloist in the BBC Proms.
Currently the Music Director of Phoenix Singers Framlingham, and Director of Music at Aldeburgh Music Club, Tom has held similar positions at King's Lynn Festival Chorus, Milton Keynes Chorale, Southend Festival Chorus and others.
Alongside his musical delivery, Tom regularly works as an Access Support worker for individuals who face barriers towards applying for Arts Council England funds, and acts as a Business Development Consultant for organisations who are trying to reach new audiences or better their place.
For more information, please visit Tom's website: www.tomappletonarts.co.uk
(Image by Adam Barnes)
Accompanist
Carolyn went to Chetham's School of Music in Manchester from the age of 14 as a recorder player and pianist changing, after a year, from piano to harpsichord.
Following further studies at the University of East Anglia and as a post-graduate at Guildhall School of Music and Drama she has been lucky enough to combine her love of baroque music with that of working in a small chamber ensemble.
Carolyn has played with Handel specialists The Brook Street Band since 1999, with whom she has played at major venues in the UK and around Europe such as Wigmore Hall, Snape Maltings, and festivals in Spain and Croatia. The Band teaches regularly at Dartington International Summer School and has released eleven critically acclaimed CDs, with Gramophone Magazine awarding several of them Editor's Choice. The Brook Street Band’s recording of The Dragon of Wantley recently won BBC Music Magazine recording of the year. The BSB's recordings are regularly broadcast on BBC Radio 3, Classic FM and stations across the world. The Brook Street Band runs its own festival, love:Handel, in Norfolk.
Carolyn has worked with The Sixteen and is a regular player with the Suffolk Ensemble. She has edited the songs of the 17th century Italian Luigi Rossi from a manuscript held in Christchurch College, Oxford, and, for The Brook Street Band, has transcribed Bach's Organ Trio Sonatas for two violins and continuo and Handel's recorder sonatas for cello, both of which The Band has recorded. Whilst she specialises in the Baroque, Carolyn has continued to play the piano throughout her career. During her time at UEA Carolyn was the accompanist for Wymondham Choral Society and then in London was the musical director for several amateur dramatic companies including New Maldon and the NatWest Theatre Company with whom she played in some productions of Sondheim. Carolyn now lives in south Norfolk and is delighted to be the accompanist for Beccles Choral Society and Phoenix Singers.
Concerts
Find details of the Phoenix Singers upcoming and past concerts.
Rehearsals
Weekly rehearsals are normally held on Wednesdays in school term time.
Membership
Our membership subscriptions are currently £165 per year.
