The Alma Singers
The Alma Singers is a female community choir based in Great Barford, Bedfordshire.
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  • About The Alma Singers
    • Musical Director
    • Accompanist
    • Previous Musical Directors
    • Previous Accompanist
  • Contact us
  • Previous Concerts and Events
    • 2019 >
      • A Feast of Festive Music 14th December 2019
      • The Friends of All Saint's Church Renhold
      • The Alma Singers and Singtastic at Moggerhanger.
      • St Mary Magdalene 13th July 2019
      • Dunton Fete 1st July 2019
    • 2018 >
      • Ring and Sing 3rd November 2018
      • Autumn Gold 6th October 2018
    • 2017 >
      • A Song For Every Stage 18 November 2017
      • Wöllstein Partnership May 2017
      • Hertford March 2017
      • Ravensden Church 25th February 2017
    • 2016 >
      • All Saints Great Barford 3rd December 2016
      • It's A Grand Night For Singing 3rd October 2016
      • Dunton Church 4th June 2016
      • Wöllstein Partnership 28th May 2016
    • 2015 >
      • The Friends of All Saint's Church Renhold
    • 2014 >
      • Elstow Abbey 1st Dec 2014
      • Elstow Abbey 12th July 2014
      • Wöllstein Partnership 2014
      • The Alma Singers and Friends - A concert of Light and Classical Music April 5th
    • 2013 >
      • A Musical Christmas - December 2013
      • All Saints Church - June 2013
      • Great Barford Fun Day - May 2013
      • Willington Garden Centre - Nov 2013
      • Bedford Hospitals Charity Appeal - May 2013
    • 2012 >
      • The Alma Singers Present The Christmas Story - December 2012
      • Berkley Street Church Charity Concert - December 2012
      • Raising money for Great Ormond Street at Luton Airport - November 2012
      • Frosts Garden Centre Willington - Christmas songs for late night shoppers - November 2012
      • Great Barford Diamond Jubilee Celebrations - June 2012
      • Concert for the German Exchange Partnership - May 2012
      • Songs From the Shows for St John's Hospice - May 2012
    • 2011 >
      • Christmas Concert - December 2011
      • Summer Concert - August 2011
      • Charity Concert in aid of Utange Orphanage, Kenya - April 2011
    • 2010 >
      • Christmas Celebrations - December 2010
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Previous Accompanist
PictureTessa Wood
Our first accompanist, Tessa Wood, was with the choir from the begining. She obtained a Junior Exhibitioner's Scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music at the age of 11 and studied with Jean Anderson up to the age of 18.  In her final year she had the opportunity of playing a Mozart piano concerto (K488) with the Middlesex Youth Orchestra and with the Royal Academy Orchestra, both in the Duke's Hall.  Part of the performance was broadcast by the BBC.  

Tessa spent three years at London University and obtained an honours degree in French with Music subsidiary.  During that time she won the Driver prize for musical performance. She obtained the LRAM Performers' certificate in 1966 having studied further under Frederick Jackson and Virginia Black (harpsichord) at the Academy.  

Tessa pursued a career as professional soloist and accompanist and for several years formed a partnership with Gwyneth Griffiths, who won the prestigious Kathleen Ferrier prize in 1968. They spent a week in Aldeburgh studying with Peter Pears at the house he shared with Benjamin Britten.

Since Tessa came to Bedford she has accompanied the St. Marys Singers, the Amici Singers and toured with Douglas Coombes and his wife Carol.  She also accompanies the Locrian and has accompanied the Kempston Music Society. She has worked extensively with dancers in the past and met many famous people.  Tessa taught piano at Bedford High School for fifteen years and played for all their Dance concerts.

Our second piano accompanist was James MacKenzie.