About Us

The Wessex Chamber Choir was founded in 1990 under the musical direction of Nicholas Woods, who established the choir as a versatile and accomplished vocal ensemble.

The choir consists of around 20 mixed voices. Members come from a variety of musical backgrounds and live in Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire. We meet weekly at Hook near Basingstoke to rehearse throughout the year and perform in a variety of venues across the region. In addition, we visit cathedrals around the country several times each year to take part in services in the absence of their resident choir.

Oliver Tarney | Director

Oliver Tarney is recognised for both his composition skills and his adeptness as a conductor. His broad conducting experience covers a variety of settings, from leading ensembles at Winchester College to acting as a répétiteur and chorus master at the renowned St Endellion Music Festival. 

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His conducting skills are informed by studies with respected conductors Manvinder Rattan, Sarah Tennant-Flowers, and Christopher Seaman. These experiences have contributed to his approach, especially evident in his work with choirs, in roles such as vocal leader for the Gabrieli Consort ROARcourses and course conductor for the National Youth Choir, 

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Oliver has an enormous capacity to motivate and encourage both amateur and professional choirs and instrumental groups. His roles as a guest conductor for the ORA Singers, co-director of music for the Rodolfus Choral Courses, and director of music at the Morland Choristers' Camp, highlight his adaptability and dedication as a musician. His work with Winchester Philharmonic Choir and the Jubilee Choir in Hampshire also also underline his broad experience of choral settings, and his commitment to producing high-quality music.