People
DAVID RUSSELL HULME, CONDUCTOR
David Russell Hulme’s busy conducting career takes him regularly to major venues throughout Britain and Ireland and across the world. In 2001 he toured Australia and New Zealand where orchestras he conducted included the State Orchestra of Victoria, the Auckland Philharmonia and the Sydney Opera House Orchestra. He works regularly for the renowned Carl Rosa Opera Company, the world’s foremost English language operetta company, as conductor and chorus-master and, in 2004 and 2006, toured the United States and Canada as principal conductor with the company.
A native of Machynlleth, David studied music at UCW Aberystwyth and conducting with the great Sir Adrian Boult. Gaining MA and Ph.D degrees for his research into British Music, he has published extensively, including articles for the New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians and the BBC Proms. Described in ‘Opera’ as “our leading authority on Sullivan’s manuscripts”, he has been closely involved in productions by leading British opera companies – Welsh National Opera, English National Opera, New Sadler’s Wells and Opera, D’Oyly Carte and Carl Rosa – as well as others in America and Australia. He edited Sullivan’s music and was advisor for Mike Leigh’s Oscar-winning film 'Topsy-Turvy'. His ground-breaking and critically acclaimed edition of 'Ruddigore', published by Oxford University Press, was used for the highly acclaimed new production by Opera North. Other editing for OUP ranges from Haydn’s 'Paukenmesse' to Walton’s Second Symphony. David has attracted a good deal attention for his performances of neglected British music – for example, he has conducted Edward German’s music at both Edward German Music Festivals in Shropshire and his recording of the composer’s light opera ‘Tom Jones’ for Naxos has received international critical praise, including selection as a Recording of the Year, and reached No. 3 in the classical charts.
Appointed as Aberystwyth University’s first Director of Music in 1992, Dr Russell Hulme established the University Music Centre and led its highly successful programme for nearly three decades. On his retirement in 2020, he was appointed Emeritus Reader in Music. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, David was awarded the Glyndŵr Medal in 2012 for his outstanding contribution to the arts in Wales.
JANICE REES, ACCOMPANIST
Janice was born at Maesycrugiau near Llanybydder and was educated at Llandysul Grammar School. She came to Aberystwyth to read Music at UCW. graduating BMus in 1984. She began to pat the piano when she was only four years old, and passed her Grade VIII examinations by the age of 12. While at University she studied the piano with Richard Simm. After graduating, Janice taught music at Milford Haven Grammar School and, until her retirement, at Aberaeron Comprehensive School. A keen member of the alto section for several years, she became the Choral Society's official accompanist at the beginning of 1995 following the retirement of Dr Bernard Smith.
GERAINT JOHN, FOUNDER/CONDUCTOR
Geraint John was born in Gowerton and studied music at the University of Wales Cardiff. He pursued professional studies on the 'cello with William Pleeth, Maurice Eisenberg and Paul Tortelier. Following some years in the Halle Orchestra, he became head of music first at Tamworth and Loughborough Grammar Schools. In 1963 he came to Aberystwyth as the 'cellist in the University Ensemble. Geraint had considerable experience of conducting choirs before establishing ACS: Tamworth Choral Society, Grendon Singers, Loughborough Choral Society, Cardigan Choral Union, the Montgomery County Festival Choir and the Aeron Singers. He adjudicated widely and was the conductor of the National Eisteddfod Choir at Machynlleth. Geraint continued to support the choir both as a Friend of the Society and as a regular member of the audience until his death in January 2018.