Chris Parsons (BGS 2009) Musical Talent
Chris Parsons’s musical talent was recognised at an early age after beginning his musical training on the piano. Aged 8 Chris was inspired to take up the Cornet and swiftly progressed through the ranks of Besses Boys’ Brass Band attaining Solo Cornet when he left in 2005. After purchasing a trumpet Chris began to pursue more orchestral roots and joined the Bury Youth Orchestra. He was their Principal trumpet for 3 years and also held the same rank with Bury Youth Concert Band and Bury Youth Baroque Orchestra.
As an old boy of Bury Grammar School Chris was highly involved in the musical life of the school during his time there (2002-2009.) He played in all the ensembles such as the Symphony Orchestra which he performed the Haydn Trumpet Concerto in 2007.
From October 2009, Chris has been studying at York University where he is reading music. York has been a perfect environment to explore his fascination with chamber and contemporary music.
In 2010 he was a founding member of ‘The Theoretical Brass Quintet’ based in York who will attempt a 2011 world record of playing the whole of ‘ The Art of Fugue’ by Bach arranged for Brass Quintet.
The Scholae Buriensis Baroque Players and Chorus was founded in April 2010 and is based in the heart of Bury in the magnificent Grade I listed. The Bury Parish Church Choir has deeply influenced Chris whom he sang with on a permanent basis for 4 years before coming to York. During his time at Bury Parish he has sung for many special local events, sang for recordings of the choir and also visited cathedrals as a visiting choir. These visits have included Carlisle Cathedral, Shrewsbury Abbey and most recently Liverpool Cathedral.
The Scholae Buriensis Baroque Players and Chorus will be performing on Wednesday 13th April at Bury Parish Church, in aid of the choir tour to Edinburgh in July.
Chris has played a number of recitals with world renowned organist, Ronald Frost in the Manchester area over the past few years. A recent collaboration has begun with good friend, Jason Hawkins an Pianist and Organist currently in his 2nd year the RNCM in Manchester.
Future engagements into 2011 include performing a Concerto with the Ramsbottom Symphony Orchestra. For more information please visit http://www.scholaeburiensis.co.uk/ .
