TOM APPLETON

Born in Suffolk, Tom's musical talent was identified at a young age when he became a chorister at St Paul's Cathedral in London. As a boy treble he toured Brazil, sang on many CDs, took part in high profile concerts, and was in a production of Benjamin Britten's opera The Turn of the Screw.

Once Tom's voice broke, he followed in Britten's footsteps and gained a major music scholarship to Gresham's School, Holt, Norfolk. Whilst a pupil there, he was accepted to join the National Youth Choir of Great Britain (NYCGB). Within a very short period of time he was promoted to the role of Bass Section Leader.

Upon leaving Gresham's, Tom headed to the University of York to study for a degree in music. Whilst there he sang in many choirs and began conducting and vocal coaching. Leaving with a 2.1 and the highest recital mark in his year, Tom was awarded a place on the Monteverdi Choir's Apprenticeship Scheme for 2007-8 under the eminent conductor Sir John Eliot Gardiner. Tom has been touring Europe this autumn with the choir and has sung in many prestigious venues including The Royal Festival Hall in London and Amsterdam's Concertgebouw.

No matter how far Tom's music has enabled him to travel, he has always regarded Suffolk as his home and it is with great joy that he takes on the role of Music Director of the Ipswich Chamber Choir. His first concert with the choir entitled ‘Psalmfest’ was very well received and the next project is a full performance of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, week-end of 13th and 14th December 2008. The student apprenticeship scheme for 16-20 year-olds started on 9th Sept.2008. Tom plans a singers’ workshop for next summer, an open event, date yet to be fixed.