About the choir
The choir was formed by Ceri Williams for a production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. Following the success of Joseph the members of the choir wanted to carry on singing together and began to perform other concerts of items from musicals and Broadway shows, sacred music and popular songs. The choir expanded and became established in Ainsdale whilst also recruiting members from further afield and grew from its original 25 members to over 80. Its now has around 40 members and we currently have some spaces available if people would like to join us.
The choir perform a wide repetoire of music ranging from famous pieces of sacred music to the big show stoppers from major musicals, and from Gilbert and Sullivan to popular songs of the present day. It is fortunate to have many members who are experienced soloists.
Over the years the choir has performed more than 30 concerts in a wide variety of venues around Southport. All of Octave’s concerts raise money for good causes. Well over £30,000 has been raised over the years
Lynda Matthews-Fogg
Lynda has been MD of Octave since January 2023. She is known for being particularly positive and enjoys opportunities at practices for tea and cake.
Lynda started playing the organ at 7 where she studied under Ian Hamilton, exploring theatre organs such as the Conn, Compton and Wurlitzer. She was awarded the Organ scholarship at Lancaster University and studied for 3 years with Ian Hare, organist at Carlisle Cathedral. Lynda worked for Sefton Music service, teaching classroom support in primary and SEN schools, and focused on leading choirs for children. She has mainly worked in SEN schools and colleges over the last decade and has been the MD for the NHS choir in Southport 2014-2024. Lynda also teaches Piano, singing and music theatre and is an accompanist.
