Press Release: – 30/06/2026
CHOIR STARTS A NEW CHAPTER
Bolton Cancer Voices are celebrating the arrival of their new Musical Director – Philip O’Connor, who is set to take up the baton and lead this inspirational Choir in the next couple of weeks.
Formed 14 years ago, the Choir remains one of the few dedicated Choirs for people who have received a cancer diagnosis of some kind at any point in life. With just under 40 members, around a third of whom are men, the Choir recently wowed concert goers at their Birthday Concert – ‘Songs & Sax’, and are looking forward to their next appearance at Adlington Carnival on Saturday 4th July.
A graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music, Mr O’Connor has a wealth of experience as a vocal tutor, tenor and Musical Director.
Karen Elliott – Founder & Chair of the Choir said: –
‘We are absolutely delighted to have appointed such a strong candidate to the role and are very much looking forward to welcoming him to his first rehearsal with us.
Philip brings invaluable experience from the perspective both of a Musical Director and a singer: we can’t wait to see the impact of this.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who expressed interest in the vacancy: we appreciated every enquiry and application. It was humbling to know how many people were attracted to the position.’
This is a great time to get involved: not only is singing in a Choir a fantastic, fun and social activity, now recognised as having a number of health and wellbeing benefits, but Bolton Cancer Voices also offer a different, supportive environment in which to connect with others navigating life with and beyond cancer.
Anyone interested in joining should contact Karen on 01204 595562 / 07773 164235.
The Choir rehearse on Monday evenings in the centre of Bolton. There are no geographical restrictions on membership; you don’t need to be able to read music; you are welcome whether a novice or a seasoned performer and even after 14 years, the Choir continues to be provided free of charge.
