DAVID WHELTON OBE, Hon RCM, Hon FRAM
– FYC PRESIDENT

David joined FYC as Honorary President in October 2017. A Farnham resident, he was Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the Philharmonia Orchestra between 1987-2016 and among his many appointments in the arts world he remains a director of the Three Choirs Festival and patron of Performers Together. In 2015 he was awarded the OBE for services to music. David’s energetic commitment and experience in harnessing new technologies will be invaluable as FYC seeks to reach out to a broader audience base. 

He says: “FYC’s musicianship and technical achievement is legendary, as is the infectious enthusiasm they bring to every performance. The contribution FYC makes to British musical life is indispensable and they are the finest possible ambassadors for our vibrant choral tradition as they perform across the world”

ANDREAS KLATT - FYC VICE-PRESIDENT

For more than 20 years Andreas has been closely associated with Farnham Youth Choir, both as a parent with three children in the choirs and in various support roles. Most notably, he has been able to secure and donate significant commissions from Sir Peter Maxwell Davies (twice), Augusta Read Thomas, Jonathan Dove and James MacMillan which have done much to further raise the choir’s profile.

LIZ CHAPMAN - FYC OPERATIONS MANAGER

Liz joined FYC as Operations Manager in 2017. She also works for the professional chamber choir, Sonoro and has previous experience both in the theatre and television industries. Liz has always sung in choirs herself and has a daughter in the Junior Choir.  

LEIGH BARNETT - FYC COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OFFICER

Leigh has many years of experience as a music editor for various educational music publishers, including Faber Music, ABRSM and Out of the Ark Music. She is a member of The Surrey Hills Singers and a passionate advocate of the joy of singing. She also plays the oboe in Guildford Symphony Orchestra, has three children and a Labrador. 

 Board of Trustees

MELANIE HANCOX - CHAIR - BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Melanie is trustee with particular responsibility for pastoral care across the choirs. Her daughter was in the Senior Choir until 2022, having joined 10 years earlier. Melanie is an English teacher, has an MA in English Literature from King’s College London and an MA in creative Writing from the Open University. In addition to teaching and writing poetry, Melanie is also Chair of Governors of a primary school in Guildford and is a governor on the board of a second Guildford primary. When not governing, trusteeing and teaching, she enjoys dog-free muddy walks in the Surrey and Normandy countryside.

KEVIN SYLVESTER - MARKETING & SPONSORSHIP (TRUSTEE)

Kevin is a FYC Alumni parent with daughters Laura and Rochelle who perform with FYC Alumni Choir.  Kevin has been FYC Sponsorship/Fund Raising Co-ordinator since joining the FYC Management Committee in 2009.  When not making a “pitch” to potential sponsors and benefactors, Kevin is a busy Petroleum Geologist through his consultancy company Pinnacle Energy.  Kevin’s wife, Jayne, a long time FYC volunteer parent since 2006, is a professional singer teaching voice at local schools. 

GILL PERKINS - MARKETING & PR (TRUSTEE)

Gill is a commercial copywriter who has run her own practice since 2011. With a background in marketing and PR, she worked for businesses in the engineering, finance and insurance sectors before setting up her business, and now has a wide range of clients across all industries. Gill has sung since childhood, including with the CBSO Chorus under Simon Rattle when she was at university, and now sings with the Vivace Chorus in Guildford, where she is also a trustee.

Richard Fry - TREASURER (TRUSTEE)

Gillian West - TRUSTEE

Paul Kemp - TRUSTEE

Janet Ruthven - TRUSTEE

CLARE WAIN - MANAGEMENT OFFICER (RECRUITMENT)

VICKI POTTER - MANAGEMENT OFFICER (SENIOR CHOIR)