Meet the Team

Rachel Mathieson

Musical Director

Rachel is an accomplished pianist, singer and conductor, with an impressive performing career spanning Yorkshire and beyond. She is a sought-after guest conductor for choirs and orchestras, and has been organising and directing a unique choir and orchestra project known as Invitatione for over 15 years.

As piano soloist with the Hessle Sinfonia, Rachel has performed Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A minor and Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor. She has performed as solo soprano in works including Mozart’s Requiem, Handel’s Messiah and Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas. She has also worked with Opera North’s outreach programmes and, as pianist with the National Symphony Orchestra, has accompanied stars including Alfie Boe and Katherine Jenkins. When she’s not on the podium or at the piano, you might find her playing the cello with the Hessle Sinfonia or singing with the St. John’s Singers.

Rachel graduated with a First Class BMus from the University of Hull in 2007 before completing a PhD in Music in 2016. She also holds a BA in Modern Languages and a DPhil in Education from the University of Oxford. After more than a decade teaching music privately and in schools across Hull and the East Riding, Rachel returned in 2018 to her home town of Barnsley. Following roles at the University of Leeds and in a West Yorkshire school, she now enjoys a varied career as a freelance musician and teacher.

With her infectious enthusiasm, wealth of experience and genuine love of making music, Rachel brings energy, inspiration and plenty of smiles to every rehearsal.

Although it’s a difficult choice, Rachel’s favourite song performed by the choir so far is probably What a Wonderful World, which the choir sings so beautifully!

Lloyd Buck

Accompanist

Lloyd Buck is the accompanist for Penistone Ladies Choir, bringing a wealth of musical experience to rehearsals and performances. He has an impressive musical background as a pianist, conductor and composer.

Lloyd studied piano at the Royal College of Music in London before continuing his studies at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, where he graduated with Distinction in 2010. He has performed at prestigious venues across the UK, including St Martin-in-the-Fields in London and St George’s Brandon Hill in Bristol.

While studying in Manchester, Lloyd made his concerto debut with the Grimethorpe Colliery Band, performing Martin Ellerby’s Cabaret Concerto. He has recorded two CDs of piano music to great critical acclaim: a disc of works by Bortkiewicz in 2008, followed by music by Alkan in 2011. The latter includes two premiere recordings, one of which is the remarkable Scherzo Focoso, long considered virtually unplayable.

Alongside his work with Penistone Ladies Choir, Lloyd also accompanies Vocal Expressions Ladies Choir in Holmfirth. His experience spans a wide range of musical styles, from Baroque opera and German lieder to the songs of Cole Porter.

Lloyd is also a conductor, directing The Barnby Choir in Wilmslow. He has worked with a broad range of choral repertoire, with a particular love of the music of Mozart and Bach.

As a composer, Lloyd has written works ranging from short piano pieces to a large-scale mass for choir and orchestra. He particularly enjoys writing music that is tuneful and accessible, and his motet Dixit Maria has been professionally recorded by Amemptos Music.

To find out more about Lloyd and his work, visit www.lloyd-buck.co.uk.

Debra Smith

Co-Treasurer

Hi, I’m Debra and I joined the choir when it re-started after Covid, and immediately loved the friendly vibe and the commitment to learning and performing our music. I love to sing, and I’ve learned a lot with choir, although I don’t have much music background.  Singing with choir is ‘me’ time – I love when it all comes together and we produce a lovely sound. I’ve got a soft spot for musical theatre, and Christmas music is always a treat, but my favourite piece is Mozart’s Ave Verum with its soaring soprano and peaceful ending.

Zillah Scott

Co-Treasurer

Hi I’m Zillah and I joined Penistone Ladies Choir four years ago. I sang a lot at school and university, and I’m really happy to be back at it again. I love the uplifting feeling I get after an evening of singing. I also play the cello, sometimes with with choir! In my non-choir time I’m a Social and Therapeutic Horticulture practitioner. I’m part of the choir’s Treasurer team.

Favourite song that I have sung with the choir : The Rose by Ola Gjeilo

Liz Peace

Secretary

I joined Penistone Ladies’ Choir in 2019 and took on the role of Secretary in 2022. Music has always been a part of my life, starting with piano lessons at the age of seven and continuing through to my days teaching maths at school, when I ran a folk group and learned to play the bodhrán. I even built myself a cajón!

I’ve sung for as long as I can remember, and I love the camaraderie of choir life as much as the music itself. When I’m not singing or helping to keep things running smoothly behind the scenes, you’ll probably find me immersed in a creative project. Jewellery making, crochet and fused glass are particular favourites, although I’m always happy to turn my hand to something new.

Although it’s difficult to choose just one favourite, Lullaby in Blue by Bob Chilcott would be my choice.