New music club chairman

After 32 years as chairman of the Bognor Regis Music Club, Derek Debuse hands over the baton to new chairman Chris Coote at the Club’s AGM on Saturday (September 17).

Derek and his wife Gill have been the mainstay of the Club ever since its foundation in 1978.

Since its formation, the Club has held around 20 concerts every season, some given by professional artists and others by club members and their contacts. Past performers at the club have included Tasmin Little, Emma Johnson, Mark Padmore, Piers Lane, Clifford Benson, Jack Brymer, Nicholas Daniel and Paul Lewis.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Derek said: “I have greatly enjoyed my time as chairman. I have made many good friends, both locally and in the music community further afield. I wish Chris Coote well and am confident that the Club is in safe hands. I will still be a frequent attender at the Saturday evening recitals.”

Chris said: “I am looking forward to the challenge of making chamber music in a variety of styles available to as many people as possible in the delightful and intimate setting of the Bognor Club.

“Following Derek Debuse as chairman will not be easy, but with the help of an excellent committee I am confident the Club will go from strength to strength.”

This season’s celebrity concert on March 24 2012 will be given by violinist Levon Chilingirian, founder of the Chilingirian String Quartet, who have a local connection through their residency at Chichester University. He will be accompanied by Michael Dussek, professor of accompaniment at the Royal Academy of Music, who has recorded some 50 CDs and partners leading instrumentalists and singers throughout the world.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Other professional concerts will be given by clarinettist Tim Orpen; pianist Pamela Adams, a graduate from the Julliard and Manhattan Schools of music; Trio Obbligato led by Susan Legg who is head of voice at Chichester University, and the Arundo trio, a local trio led by Alison Woodward, senior lecturer at the University Music Department.

The first meeting of the season will be the AGM on Saturday, September 17 at 7.30pm at the Club’s concert room, 2 Sudley Road. There will be a short business meeting followed by a concert featuring performances by the incoming and outgoing chairmen and other club members.

“The evening is completely free and includes light refreshments. We cordially invite anyone who would like to try out the Club to come along,” Chris said.

More details available by phoning Chris Coote (01243 773276) or Paul Dorrell (01243 261373) or from the website www.BognorRegisMusic.org.uk