After eleven memorable and fulfilling years with Bolton Cancer Voices retirement beckons for their Accompanist Mark Foster and the search for his replacement begins.
Founded in 2012 Bolton Cancer Voices is a dedicated Choir for anyone who has received a cancer diagnosis of any kind at some point in their life. Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings throughout the year in the centre of Bolton.
The Choir is keen to hear from anyone with the requisite skills and experience for the role. Applicants should have excellent musicianship and be proficient sight readers with experience of playing a wide variety of musical styles and genre: they must have a strong ethos of teamwork with the ability to take direction quickly from the Musical Director and the shared goal of ensuring the Choir strives to be the best it can beat all times. Previous experience of accompanying Choirs is preferred.
Mark Foster said: "I have been the Accompanist for the Choir almost since it began, during which time it has been my privilege to play for such an amazing group of people and such an inspirational Choir. I have felt honoured to get to know and support so many wonderful people over the years: it has been humbling to see everyone coming together sharing a love for singing and music, whilst overcoming difficulties in their own lives.
"In short, I have loved every second of being a part of Bolton Cancer Voices. I am sad to be leaving and I hope whoever replaces me also benefits from the joy and friendship of the Choir: this is such a brilliant opportunity for someone and I hope they will be as happy as I have been.
"I will enjoy watching the Choir on social media, attending their concerts when I can and seeing them continuing to go from strength to strength."
The Choir is looking to appoint someone to take up post around mid-July. For further details about the position or to enquire about joining the Choir please contact Karen Elliott - Founder & Chair - 01204 595562 / 07773 164235.
Karen is clear: "Mark has been an integral part of our musical team for so long, it’s going to be a wrench losing him: his energy, enthusiasm, professionalism and dedication have been second to none; he’ll be a hard act to follow. He’s helped build the Choir into what it is today and we can never thank him enough for the outstanding contribution he’s made.
"From what he’s said [above] you can tell just how much the Choir has meant to him and we hope to now find a successor with equal passion for the role.
"We’re a really friendly, welcoming group, extremely proud of what we do, the joy it brings and the message it sends. We look forward to discussing this exciting opportunity with interested parties: our next awesome Accompanist is somewhere out there, we just need to connect with them. We’d ask everyone to pleasekindly help spread word of our search."
