DURHAM OPERA ENSEMBLE
THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Members of the Executive Committee are elected by the society to run important aspects of the society for the following year. As the conductors and directors change each term, the Exec are more permanent and have more of a long-term view as to the development of the society. If you would like to find out more about a position in the society, please do not hesitate to contact us.
President: Sophie Kidwell
sophie.kidwell@durham.ac.uk
Hello! I’m Sophie and I’m in my third year, reading Combined Honours in Arts: Music and English. I’m a mezzo-soprano and DOE has been a huge part of my University experience from the moment I arrived. I’ve sung in six productions and last year I was Sponsorship Secretary for the society. I’m thrilled be President, and I will be working with the Exec to further our already excellent music-making! There is much in store for the year ahead, including masterclasses from yet more world-class singers, a children’s chorus from local schools in Carmen, our Gala Theatre show, and our first summer tour!
If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at student.opera@durham.ac.uk
Secretary: Charlie Jefford
c.m.jefford@durham.ac.uk
My name is Charlie and I study History, French and Spanish. I am the secretary of DOE 2015/16. During my first year I performed in the chorus of Mozart’s the Marriage of Figaro and also I was Anima Dannata in Cavalieri’s Rappresentatione di anima et di corpo. It's a really exciting time for DOE because we are working with Experience Durham and Durham Student Theatre for the first time. Also we are returning to the Gala Theatre in 2016 for our main production, which will be fantastic!
Treasurer: Adam Hughes
adam.hughes@durham.ac.uk
Hello, my name is Adam; I’m a third year music student, serving as Treasurer for this year. The purpose of my role is to ensure that the society remains financially healthy. I first became involved with DOE in my first year as a producer, a role that I found to be immensely enjoyable. After my initial experience as a member of a production team I wanted to take on a position that would allow me to further my involvement with the society. This is my second year as Treasurer, I am looking forward to building on the experience I gained from last year and making the next twelve months the best in DOE history.
DOE is an amazing society doing amazing work and I am delighted and proud to be a member of the Executive Committee.
Publicity Secretary: Clare Lichfield
c.s.j.lichfield@durham.ac.uk
I’m a finalist at St Aidan’s College reading Chinese Studies. I have been heavily involved with DOE since my first year, both as a performer and as a costume designer, which I have enjoyed thoroughly. I’m very excited to start my role as Publicity Secretary and help the society grow to its full potential.
Patrons' Officer: Will Ford
william.ford3@durham.ac.uk
I'm very excited to be continuing as Patrons' Secretary in the 2015-16 academic year. This past year has been immensely exciting for the society with our inaugural Gala show and many other fine productions. I'm very excited for the year to come and look forward to working with all the Patrons of our society.
Tour Manager: Josie Williams
josie.williams@durham.ac.uk
I'm a third year Biology student at Grey, and having been on the Exec as Social Secretary last year for DOE's most exciting year yet, I'm thrilled to be part of the committee again to help make this year even better, and organise DOE's first ever summer tour.
Emer: I am a third year Music student from Hild Bede and despite only becoming involved in DOE in my second year, I have performed in three productions so far. In my role as Social Secretary, I hope to work with Tom to build upon the inclusiveness of the society through great socials, dinners, and of course after-show parties! I am excited to be part of this fantastic Exec for what is sure to be a special year for DOE.
Tom: I'm a third year Music student from Mary's. I am also a choral scholar at the Cathedral and conductor of the University Chamber Choir. I've had a brilliant time being a part of DOE in my first two years at Durham, and I'm very excited to be a part of the Exec for the incredible year we have ahead of us.
Sponsorship Secretaries: Crispin Lord & Rachel Newell
c.h.lord@durham.ac.uk
rachel.newell@durham.ac.uk
Claire: I’m a final-year undergraduate from St. Aidan’ s College studying Combined Honours in Arts: Music and French. I’ve just returned from a year in Toulouse, France, where I was studying at the Conservatoire and singing with the Ensemble Baroque de Toulouse. Before my year abroad I appeared in five productions in Durham, including four with the Durham Opera Ensemble. Also an enthusiastic teacher, I’m absolutely thrilled to be taking on the role as Outreach Officer this year. I am very excited to get as many people in the community involved as possible in DOE’s upcoming musical projects.
Fi: I am a third-year student at St. Cuthbert's Society studying Music. I have been lucky enough to be a part of six productions with DOE whilst at Durham and am very much excited about being on the Executive Committee this year as an Outreach Officer. Hopefully, together, Claire and I will be able to help DOE develop a lasting and beneficial relationship with the wider, non-student community. I am also the manager of the Durham University Chamber Choir with whom a lot of DOE members also sing.
Rachel: Hi! I'm Rachel. I'm a 3rd year and a finalist reading Music. As well as being a Sponsorship Officer for DOE, I am also the Assistant Manager and Treasurer of Chamber Choir. I've been involved in 6 DOE productions in my time at Durham, and I hope that by being a part of the Exec, we can make this year's run of productions as good as the past few years! Here's to an exciting year!
Crispin: I'm now entering into my third year at Durham studying Music. Having started singing from a young age, I was keen to get involved with the Opera society, and I'm lucky enough to have taken part in the past two major productions, including one solo role. In this new role as co-sponsorship secretary, I am looking forward to sourcing finance for the society, as well as working alongside charitable organisations so that DOE becomes a society that helps all it can.