The Wandering Scholar

Yellowbelly George Elson is in his third year at RNCM, studying under Quentin Hayes. Having gone to school in Altord, he is passionate about introducing more classical music into the area. George is looking forward to singing with EGK in Bergen this April and playing Doctor Grenvil with Preston Opera this May, alongside organising future projects for Fenwold Opera.

Jane O’Farrell studied at the Royal College of Music in London with Kendall Taylor and Bernard Roberts. She has performed both as a soloist and accompanist with singers and instrumentalists, been assistant musical director for various productions and pianist for two choirs, and especially enjoys working with and supporting young musicians. 

Jane has accompanied George in many concerts over the last 5 years such as their 'Harbingers of Spring' concert at Gunby Hall (see picture on the left), or their performance of Schumann's 'Dichterliebe' last summer, and will be playing for the English Song Cycle portion of our concert.

South London born soprano Clementine Thompson is in her third year of undergraduate studies at the Royal Northern College of Music under the tutelage of Elizabeth Ritchie. A versatile singer, she has performed professionally as a soloist at the Wimbledon International Music Festival and in recital alongside renowned soprano, Dame Emma Kirkby. Choral music has taken her to venues such as the Wigmore Hall, the Bridgewater Hall and the Royal Albert Hall and she is a regular member of the Mancunium Consort as well as singing with Ventis Vocal Ensemble. She has been the recipient of numerous accolades during her studies most notably the Pamela Hart Third Prize at the Kathleen Ferrier Society Bursary Competiton, alongside numerous RNCM awards and success at the David Clover Festival of Singing. Her role repertoire includes Belinda (Dido and Aeneas) and Bastienne and scenes as Titania (A Midsummer Nights’ Dream) and Ora 2 (L’Egisto). A lover of contemporary music, she was privileged to originate the role of ‘Philosopher’ in David Bicarregui’s ‘Capsule’ last spring. She looks forward to joining Fenwold Opera for this wonderful (and very cheeky) piece!