Keith Swallow

Keith Swallow won a West Riding of Yorkshire music scholarship at the age of sixteen and went to study at the Royal Manchester College of Music where he was awarded prizes, diplomas and the M.Mus. Degree of the Royal College in London. He was later made an Hon. Fellow of the College.

Well known for his concerts throughout this country, he has performed in Europe and the U.S.A., played with several British orchestras and appeared many times on television, notably in two BBC "Omnibus" programmes, "Music at Harewood" for ITV, and as official accompanist for the finalists of the BBC's Young Musician of the Year.

He broadcasts regularly as accompanist, soloist, chamber music player and piano duettist and has taken part in most of our major festivals Cheltenham, Harrogate and The Three Choirs for instance - as well as international festivals in France and Germany.

He has made records with Black Dyke Mills Band, the BBC Northern Singers, Ian Wallace, Alfreda Hodgson, Janet Hilton and the late Owen Brannigan. Although he considers himself to be primarily an accompanist, he is in constant demand as a soloist - a reluctant one and is widely known for his performance of 20th Century English piano music.

We are pleased to welcome Keith as our guest soloist this evening. This is his second appearance with us in 1989. His first, in January, was as accompanist to Marilyn Hill Smith. Tonight he appears as soloist in his own right.

Still residing in his native West Riding he is one of an increasing number of artists now choosing to live away from London. He is certain, as always, of a warm welcome from tonight's local audience.

Matthew Hodge

Following a period of study at Chetham' s School of Music from 1984 to 1986, Matthew Hodge has taken part in a diversity of musical performances, ranging from an appearance with the Halle Orchestra to the finals of the T.S.B. Rockschool, 1988.

He has been heard locally with a number of brass bands, orchestras and choirs, and nationally on RRC. T.V.'s 'Songs of Praise'.
Appearances in London have included performances in the Royal Albert Hall and the Royal Festival Hall.He was born, and still lives, in Huddersfield, and has appeared twice previously with the Youth Choir.

Geoffrey Lockwood

Educated at Holme Valley Grammar School, and Christ's College Cambridge, . Geoffrey Lockwood spent 10 years as a research scientist before turning to teaching. His present post is at Greenhead College, where he teaches computing and physics.

Music, however, occupies a major portion of his time. He is organist and' choirmaster at New Mill Parish Church, accompanist and deputy conductor of Holmfirth Choral Society, accompanist to the Holmfirth Musical Festival, and is very active in the Royal School of Church Music.

Tonight is the second occasion that he has appeared with the Youth Choir.

Johnny Pearson

At the age of only 9, Johnny Pearson won a scholarship to the London Academy of music and dramatic art, where he studied the piano under Solomon. During the second world war, he developed his interest in jazz, which led him to spend six years with the Malcolm Mitchell Trio. Subsequently he became a freelance accompanist and music director working. with such artists as Lena Home, Cilla Black and Dusty Springfield.

He was invited to become Music Director to B.B.C. T. V.'s 'Top of the Pops' - a post he held for 16 years. During this time he worked with artists as diverse as Bing Crosby, The Beatles and Michael Jackson.

Johnny has written many signature tunes for T.V. Apart from 'All Creatures Great & Small', the current 'News at 10' theme is his, and his tune 'Sleepy Shores' is used for 'Owen M.D.'.

He still practices the piano at least 2 hours each day, but finds time for his other passion - garden wild life, where he is keenly interested in birds & small mammals. He and his wife, Alexandra, have among their pets, an enormous cat called 'Buster' and a peacock called 'Charlie Croak'!