The choir was formed in 2005 as a one-off group, consisting of friends of Simon Filsell.  The original concert raised funds for the organ appeal at the church where he had been Head Chorister - Holy Trinity, Coventry.  He got in touch with another former midlands choirboy, Nigel Short (left), who generously agreed to conduct, and Simon’s brotherJeremy Filsell, who played the organ.

Since the tremendous success of the first concert, the choir has decided to establish itself as a purely fundraisinggroup, dedicated to using the enjoyment of the highest-quality singing for entirelycharitable purposes.  We will take on engagements for other organisations, but on the basis that net proceeds will be for the benefit of a charitable organisation.

If you represent a charitable organisation, and have the means to work with us on providing a venue and publicity, send an email to Simon Filsell to discuss the possibilities.

NIGEL SHORT (Musical Director)
Nigel started singing at the age of 7 in the choir of St Alphege, Solihull, and studied at the Royal College of Music. He has sung in many of the country's foremost choirs, including Westminster Cathedral and The Tallis Scholars and as a soloist with the English National Opera. After seven years as a member of the world's most celebrated vocal ensemble - the King's Singers - Nigel left to follow his dream of conducting and composing for his own chamber choir, Tenebrae. The group has been taken under the wing of Formula One racing champion Jacques Villeneuve, who together with Lady Valerie Solti and James Bowman form the group's Patrons.

JEREMY FILSELL (Organ)
After leaving Coventry for studies at Oxford University and the Royal College of Music, he established an international concert career as one of only a few virtuoso performers as both Pianist and Organist - reflected in numerous recordings made on both instruments. He has performed as a soloist in Russia, the USA and Europe, recording for BBC Radio 3, German and Finland Rundfunk and USA networks. He is Visiting Tutor in Organ Studies at the Royal Northern College of Music, a Lecturer in Academic Studies at the Royal Academy of Music, a piano tutor at Eton College and a Lay Clerk in the choir of St George's Chapel, Windsor. His PhD thesis was a study of the music ofMarcel Dupré. Gramophone magazine noted that his recordings of the Dupré Intègrale were, "truly distinguished, compelling and unquestionably authoritative performances”. In September 2008 he takes up a new post as Director of Organ at the Basilica of the National Shrine in Washington D.C.
www.jeremyfilsell.com

SIMON FILSELL (Choir Manager)
Having been a finalist in the first ever “Choirboy of the Year” competition in 1975, he suceeded his brother as Head Chorister at Holy Trinity in Coventry. After a spell as a Choirman in Coventry Cathedral Choir, he moved to St Albans in 1987.  He combined singing as a deputy layclerk in St Albans Cathedral Choir with being a member of the award-winning Joyful Company of Singers (JCS).  In addition to occasional singing with the Corydon Singers, Holst Singers, Vox Musica and the Michael Brewer Singers, his solo work with JCS has included recordings and television appearances, plus The Proms and the Aldeburgh Festival - performing music by James MacMillan under the conductor’s baton.  He has also been a soloist for the City Chamber Choir. After a period of 6 years as a full-time layclerk, he is now a Business Manager at Dr Challoner’s Grammar School in Amersham. Simon has more recently turned his focus towards music management, being a Trustee of Joyful Company of Singers and founding Vox Coelestis.