About Us

Musical Director 

Rachel Tweddle

Rachel Tweddle is our current Musical Director, since March 1998.

Rachel was educated on the Island and later studied clarinet, piano and singing on a scholarship at Trinity College of Music, London.

She subsequently took up a teaching position as a clarinet specialist, with the Schools Music Service, in Guernsey and participated in both orchestral and choral sides of musical life; being involved with church and chamber choirs.

After five years on the Channel Island, Rachel went on to fulfil a similar teaching position in Bromley, Kent.

Since returning to the Isle of Wight, she has been absorbed with both choirs and orchestras – teaching all ages and musical styles.

Currently, Rachel is Director of Music at Ryde School with Upper Chine.

Additionally, Rachel sings with female vocal trio ‘Trinity’ and local folk band ‘Slainte Va’.  She is also lead clarinettist with the Island Concert Band.

Accompanist

Richard Wilkins

Richard Wilkins is our rehearsal and concert accompanist, since 1996.

Born in Willenhall in the West Midlands, Richard began piano lessons aged eight.  During his late teenage years, he was already accompanying school choirs and local Operatic and Choral groups.

Following his studies at Nottingham University and the Guildhall School of Music, Richard entered into a varied life of music-making, encompassing many genres; Opera and music theatre, teaching and coaching, singing and accompanying, composing and conducting.

Richard joined Isle of Wight Cantata Choir as rehearsal accompanist in 1996 and has sung or played with them in concerts regularly. 

The choir has played a significant part in encouraging and developing his skills, and he has even been moved to compose for them on occasion!

Additionally, Richard is Musical Director of the Tritone Singers, since 1999. He also plays keyboard as part of the Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra.