Geraint Bessant Musical Director

Luke Robbins-Ross Accompanist

Stephanie Bailey Assistant Accompanist

Geraint Bessant - Musical Director:
The conductor, accompanist, and brass coach Geraint Bessant is a classically trained trumpet player. He developed his skills as a conductor and was invited to conduct his first major show, the musical, Fame, at the age of 16. So successful was the show that he was asked to conduct and accompany more than 25 shows since.

In 2001, Geraint joined the Cambrian Male Choir and the Tref-y-Rhyg Singers (now the Tonyrefail Ladies Choir) as official accompanist. A year later he returned to the theatre as the accompanist for Jesus Christ Superstar for Neath Operatic Society, and musical director the Rhondda based company Spotlight Theatre Group.

Asked to join Llantrisant Male Choir in 2004 as guest conducter during our tour of Poland, Geraint took over Tonyrefail Ladies Choir the same year as musical director.

Geraint is a surveyor by day, however continues his work as a free lance accompanist and conductor, having toured and guest accompanied, and conducted several theatre companies and choirs across South Wales.

Luke Robbins-Ross - Accompanist:
Luke is 19 and was appointed accompanist to the choir in September 2008 having previously accompanied them in 2007 prior to commencing his studies at Durham University. He was Musical Director of Grease at the age of 14 and has since been Musical Director of many productions including Bugsy Malone, The Wizard of Oz, A Midsummer Night's Dream and Little Shop of Horrors.

In 2005 he was asked to play in Karl Jenkins' A Mass for Peace for Cowbridge Mixed Choir. He has also developed his experience as an accompanist having accompanied Cantorion Pontyclun Ladies Choir in 2006. He was Musical Director of St Aidan's College Choir during his time at the University.

Luke is currently taking a break from his studies at Durham University and is pursuing his passion for Musical Direction. Aside from his day job, Luke is a pianist at functions and weddings as well as working as a freelance Musical Director. He has recently been appointed Musical Director of Act One Theatre Company for their production of Dick Whittington at the Phoenix Theatre, Rhondda in December 2008. He is the Musical Director for Rather Like a Shark Productions, a London based Theatre Company and has recently conducted Stephen Sondheim's Assassins at the Internationally acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August 2008 as well as their production of Jason Robert Brown's Songs for a New World in March 2008.

He is extremely pleased to be back accompanying the choir and looking forward to working with Geraint and the boys again!

Stephanie Bailey - Assistant Accompanist:
Stephanie was born in the village of Skewen, near Neath. She began piano lessons at the age of 9 and became the accompanist of various local children’s choirs by the age of 13, progressing to participate in music competitions and performances. She has made television appearances on Songs of Praise whilst studying at University gaining BA(Hons) Music followed by a PGCE.

Stephanie has enjoyed teaching piano and singing, conducting children’s choirs and accompanying soloists. More recently she joined with the World Champion Black Dyke Brass Band in concert at St David’s Hall, Cardiff. She has also recently seen her first publication of a musical composition for Children’s Choir.

Stephanie joined the Llantrisant Male Choir in February 2008.

Vacant Position:
We are still looking for a permanent full time accompanist as our current accompanist Mr Luke Robbins-Ross is only able to be with us for a limited period. If you are interested in this postion and wish to enquire further regarding terms and conditions, then please contact:

Hon Secretary
Mr David Rhydian Rees
50 Summerfield Drive
Llantrisant
Pontyclun
South Wales, UK
CF72 8QF
Or call him on:
+44 (0) 1443 237887