About Us
Robert Patterson
Robert Patterson is delighted to direct The Fulham and Hammersmith Choral Society. A passionate choral director, Robert has much experience working with choirs having previously been the director of Rushmoor Choir, The Canterbury Singers and Voces Petrensium. As Director of Music at Putney High School, he directs four school choirs. As well as a music degree from Cambridge, Robert holds the highest performance diploma of Fellowship in both solo organ (FRCO) and solo piano (FRSM). As an organist, he has held positions at Hampton Court Palace, New College, Oxford and Winchester Cathedral, and from 2005 – 2008 Robert was the principal Organist at Canterbury Cathedral where he played for the daily services, tours, recordings and broadcasts. As an organ continuo player, he has performed on numerous professional recordings including J S Bach St Matthew Passion, St John Passion and B Minor Mass. As a pianist, he has given solo recitals and is the pianist in the Putelie Ensemble. Alongside music, Robert has a WSET level 3 in oenology, and remains deeply interested in the study of wine.
Photo: Felipe Tozzato
Gavin Roberts
Gavin Roberts enjoys a varied career as a pianist. He has partnered singers in recital at Wigmore Hall, Barbican Hall and the Royal Festival Hall, and is Artistic Director of Song in the City. He has appeared at The Cheltenham Festival, Dartington International Festival, The Ludlow Weekend of English Song, The Ryedale Festival and The Oxford Lieder Festival. He works regularly with soprano Lucy Hall, with whom he was the winner of the Oxford Lieder Young Artist Platform, and actor Rosamund Shelley, with whom he performs her one-woman shows Novello & Son and War Songs.
He has played for The BBC Singers, The Joyful Company of Singers, Constanza Chorus, Kingston Choral Society, The Hanover Band, Tiffin Boys’ Choir, and as a repetiteur for Sir Roger Norrington and the late Richard Hickox. Gavin has appeared regularly on BBC Radio broadcasts as a soloist and accompanist, often giving premiere performances of new works. He has played on numerous recordings for the BBC, ASV, Guild and Priory Records. A recent project is a recording of London-themed song commissions for Song in the City.
Gavin studied piano with Andrew West and Eugene Asti at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, where he is now a Professor. He previously read Music at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, where he also held the organ scholarship. Following this, Gavin gained a Master’s degree from King’s College London. Gavin was Organist and Director of Music at St Marylebone Parish Church from 2014-2022. More details: www.gavinroberts.org & www.songinthecity.org
Fulham and Hammersmith Choral Society
Fulham and Hammersmith Choral Society (FHCS) was formed in 1951 and has grown into an ambitious 100-strong choir. Membership is open to all singers with or without a lot of choral experience.
We aim for high standards and strong singers are always valued. It is not necessary to read music and there is no formal audition required. If you are not sure which voice part you are best suited to then our Musical Director can advise you.
The Choir performs three concerts each year, performing a variety of styles and in a range of venues in the local area often joined by professional orchestras and soloists. We also support local communities by singing at a variety of events and raising funds for charities.
Each year we organise an away day giving the choir the opportunity to sing in a new setting and enjoy a little more sociable singing experience. The choir is run by a team of committed volunteers from within the choir. FHCS is a social choir.
We regularly gather for a drink after rehearsals and we also hold a number
of social evenings each year.
If you would like more information or to subscribe to our mailing list please contact us.