Ilkley Choral Society said a fond farewell in July 2026 to Hannah Thomson, who helped to steer the choir through several performances during the2025/6 season. Hannah was appointed as a Conducting Scholar to the choir in September 2025, and every Monday evening she attended rehearsals at Christchurch in Ilkley. Under the watchful eye of Musical Director Alex Kyle, Hannah developed her conducting skills by taking responsibility for leading sections of the rehearsal each week. She eventually took full responsibility for two performances of “The Cantique de Jean Racine” in Ilkley, conducting over 120 voices.

When not conducting, Hannah also sang soprano with the choir and has performed as a soloist with them. Hannah studied Music and completed her PGCE at Durham University. She is an alumna of the Opera North Youth Chorus and performed various principal roles with Durham Opera Ensemble and Leeds Youth Opera. In more recent years, Hannah has performed with Wakefield Youth Theatre, Diva Productions and Harrogate Phoenix Players. She has also served as Producer for Leeds Youth Opera’s production of ‘The Enchanted Pig’ and also successfully took on the role of Musical Director for Harrogate Operatic Society’s centenary concert, as well as Rabbit Head Productions’ workshop performance of ‘Arabella and Other Stories’. In September 2026 Hannah begins a new chapter as she undertakes a two year Masters in Vocal Performance at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

Ilkley Choral Society Chairperson Sally Sumpner said: “It has been a delight watching Hannah develop skills and seeing her confidence shine out when we are in concert. She has had great support from our professionals and from members and it has been a very rewarding season for us all. We wish Hannah all the very best for her future in music, and are delighted to have been part of her journey so far.”