
Philip Robinson - Founder
Philip Robinson has had a career as a teacher and performer, whose roots go back to Durham Cathedral where he was Head Chorister. Later at the Royal College of Music he studied organ and piano. As an ABRSM examiner he travelled regularly to the Far East. Never far from the role of Musical Director he has led choirs and choral societies, most recently being asked to start the ensemble Melismata, in 2019. He now enjoys teaching piano at home.
Kieran Seymour - Musical Director


Paul Emmett - Assistant Musical Director
Paul Emmett is an experienced composer, conductor, and educator with over 15 years of experience across Lincolnshire and the East Midlands. Currently studying for a Masters in Composition at the University of Nottingham, Paul has collaborated with ensembles such as the BBC Concert Orchestra and the London Musical Theatre Orchestra. Paul is passionate about fostering musical growth and education. His compositions span a range of genres, with a particular focus on contemorary choral and orchestral works.
Brean Hammond - Chairman
Brean Hammond is Emeritus Professor of English Literature at the University of Nottingham. He’s the author of many books and articles on literary history from Shakespeare to Byron. Between degrees at Edinburgh and Oxford he was, briefly and ingloriously, a professional actor. He got his 15 minutes of fame when he discovered a ‘lost’ Shakespeare play that he edited for the Arden Shakespeare under the title Double Falsehood. He was a founder member of Melismata, for which he wrote and performed Master Byrd in 2023-24.

After singing in a choral society, a musicals/opera group and a choir that visited cathedrals, Margaret came to the Byrd 4 Part Mass rather late in life. It led to singing one to a part with friends and to further Early Music and then Melismata. Margaret also leads a Natural Voice group in Elston where all the songs are taught by ear enabling her to share the joy of making music.

Sylvia originally trained as a linguist and spent her working life first in education, then in finance in public and private sectors. Sylvia is now a veteran of several church/school/ad hoc choirs and have many long-standing connections with Southwell Minster where she sings with the Minster Chorale.