Ashley Thompson

Deborah McAndrew

It seems incredible, given the enormous popularity of Charles Dickens' festive story, that there isn't a short through-sung cantata of A Christmas Carol already - but there isn't. It's such a brilliant idea that when Ashley suggested it to me I didn't even have to think about it. The extra challenge Ashley set us both was to incorporate existing carols, so that the new words and tunes would slot together with old, familiar ones like pieces of a puzzle. It's a privilege to work with Dickens' masterpiece, and the process has been fantastically enjoyable. I hope you like it. 

Deborah has made numerous television appearances, but she is best remembered as Coronation Street regular, Angie Freeman. Deborah has worked extensively in theatre over her 20-year acting career. Theatre credits include everything from Shakespeare to Pantomime. Deborah has been appearing regularly for BBC Radio Drama since 1993, when she recorded her first Afternoon Drama, A Soldier Moves. Deborah’s educational work includes guest lecturing at the Universities of Manchester, Bolton and Staffordshire. She also has a broad experience of working with young people, coaching for LAMDA exams, and in schools for Creative Partnerships.

Barrie McKinnon

Barrie was born in Salford in 1950 and attended Salford Grammar School where he studied violin.  He joined Salford Youth Orchestra in 1967 as principal percussionist – later serving as Orchestra Chairman, tutor and conductor and in 1969 joined Salford Symphony Orchestra.  Serving as principal percussionist under Jack Fryer and Bill Spry, Barrie took over the baton on 1976 – becoming the first “Salfordian” to conduct the Orchestra.  At the same time he also played with other local amateur ensembles including, Gorton Phil, Bolton Chamber Orchestra, Windsor Band, Barton Hall Works Band and Bolton Borough Band – playing percussion, trumpet, cornet and flugel-horn.  Whilst at college Barrie developed a great love of G & S performing in a number and directing even more. Moving to work in Bolton in 1984 Barrie guest conducted the Bolton Youth Orchestra and joined Harmonie ’84 (then reigning BASBWE National Champions) as principal percussionist.

Having relinquished the post of Musical Director of SSO to pursue more performing, Barrie continued to play with the Orchestra until it ceased to function in 1987. 

A chance conversation with Christine Clarkson saw her and Barrie reform SSO along with a “hard core” of about ten players.  Since then Barrie has brought the orchestra to the standard it was at when performing at its best. Sell out performances at the Lowry Centre and challenging programmes are an indication of the standard the orchestra has reached under his direction.

Jon Henderson

Born in 1968. Educated at Wolverhampton Grammar School. First public performance 1979 Wolverhampton Civic Hall. As a member of Wolverhampton Youth Orchestra toured France, Belgium, Holland, Germany & Yugoslavia. Performed at the Barbican Centre London with the Merchant Tailors Orchestra. Gained degree in Creative Arts from Crewe & Alsager College and then became a peripatetic string teacher working full-time in Cheshire schools and freelance Violin / Viola player.

Founder member of the Liadon Ensemble (formed 1990), a contemporary music group whose music has been widely used by dance and theatre companies - released 2 albums. Recently recorded a CD of music for electric violin and another CD of music for electric violin and guitar with guitarist Gary Hickey. Also a member of "Sine Nomine" International Touring Choir, last year sang in the prestigious Vaison La Romaine Choral festival - France. Recently became co-conductor of South Cheshire Youth Choir.