Kirkcudbright Choral Society is fortunate to have as Musical Director and Conductor, and as Accompanist, two talented musicians from different but complementary musical backgrounds. Each has a high reputation and contacts that enable the KCS to attract high-class musicians and soloists to perform at the concerts. Moreover, they have the ability to coax professional performances from choral members with multifarious musical abilities.
Michael Appleford, Musical Director and Conductor.
LTCL
Michael trained at Trinity College of Music, London where he studied horn and conducting. In 1975 he joined the music department at Gordonstoun School where he taught for 28 years, latterly as Director of Music. He has been Musical Director of Elgin Operatic Society and Gordonstoun Festival Chorus. Michael also co-edited and published a series of music compositions for brass instruments in association with the late Ifor James. Original works include a setting of Psalm 150 for voices and brass, which was first performed in the presence of HM the Queen.
Susan Smyth, Accompanist.
BMus (Hons), DipLib, LGSM
Susan took an honours degree in music at Edinburgh University, where she studied violin and piano. After a postgraduate year at Strathclyde University she returned to Edinburgh and, while working in the University Library, she developed her teaching and playing career. She was a member of the Scottish Sinfonia and the Meadows Chamber Orchestra, as well as several chamber ensembles. She moved to Gatehouse of Fleet in 1999. She now plays in the Solway Sinfonia (Leader 2007-8) and leads the Stewartry Chamber Orchestra. She plays in several ensembles including the Galloway String Quartet, and teaches violin in schools and piano and violin privately. She plays piano for the Cally Palace Hotel and is the accompanist for the Gatehouse Singers as well as the Kirkcudbright Choral Society.
