Our People

Succeeding Ashley Shopland in February 2022 from a career background in engineering, operations and business management, Mark relocated to Cornwall from Stamford in Rutland with his wife, Joanna.  They now live in Fowey enjoying the breathtaking scenery and cliff walks with their dogs.  A keen surfer, runner, and gig rower in his spare time, Mark is very keen to continue to support and sustain the Choir in maintaining the proud tradition it has, protecting the link between the Choir and the long standing industry it represents.

Barry was brought up in the small village of Whitemoor, which is in the heart of the China Clay area. He has had a long involvement with music, both in the brass band world as well as with choirs. Most of his time is now given to choral training, and as a freelance music practitioner working predominantly in primary schools across Cornwall. Barry has been heavily involved in projects for English Touring Opera, the Foundation for Youth Music, the national programme Sing Up, the prestigious event at the Hall for Cornwall, and is the choir researcher for the Cornish National Music Archive.

Marlene, educated in Leicestershire, studied at the Royal Academy of Music on an Associated Board Scholarship. After leaving the Royal Academy she became Musical Director of a music school and a musical department in the south east. She also continued concert work, giving piano recitals and accompanying instrumentalists. In the year 2000, she moved to Cornwall and completed a research degree at Exeter University in 2006. For her work she was awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Music. She has been the accompanist for Imerys Mid-Cornwall Male Choir since 2008, and looks upon us (and each concert) as a special part of her work.