IT IS one of those roles that can go unappreciated among those who perhaps are unaware of just how vital a good accompanist is to any choir.
But Vocal Expressions, the Holme Valley-based ladies’ choir knows full well just how crucial a role this is and are delighted to have secured young pianist Lloyd Buck as its new accompanist.
Lloyd is an accomplished musician who studied at the Royal College of Music in London, and later at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.
He has performed at many of the country’s top musical venues including St Martin in the Fields and St James’ Piccadilly in London, plus Symphony Hall in Birmingham.
Lloyd recently made his concerto debut playing Martin Ellerby’s Cabaret Concerto with the Grimethorpe Colliery Band at the Royal Northern College of Music.
His debut CD of piano music by Bortkiewicz, recorded four years ago with Amemptos Music, received great critical acclaim. He followed that last year with a disc of solo piano music by Alkan which includes two premiere recordings, one of which is the legendary Scherzo Focoso, thought for many years to be virtually unplayable.
Lloyd was tutored by Niel Immelman and John Byrne while at the Royal College of Music, and has taken part in masterclasses with a number of distinguished artists, including Stephen Hough, Bernard d’Ascoli, Graham Scott and Dina Parakhina.
In addition to working as a soloist, Lloyd is frequently in demand as an accompanist. He spent a year as accompanist to the Bristol Schools Chamber Choir, which has a national reputation as one of the country’s leading youth choirs and currently works at the Northern Ballet School in Manchester.
Lloyd is also a composer, and writes works ranging from short solo pieces and a capella motets to large scale choral and orchestral material. He often performs his own piano music in recitals.
He says he is delighted to have been asked to work with Vocal Expressions and is looking forward to working with the choir on a wide range of repertoire.
