Vice-Presidents
Vice-Presidents:
The Very Revd Ian Black, Dean of Newport
The Rt Revd Dr Richard Fenwick, former Bishop of St Helena
The Very Revd Lister Tonge, former Dean of Newport
Dr W Brian Willott CB
the orchestra
Photo: Martin Chainey
The St Woolos Sinfonia was founded in 2008 by Prof. Brian Peeling, Dr. Christoph Madler and Jeanette Massocchi (the Orchestra’s first conductor) as a new venture to bring orchestral music to Newport Cathedral. For the musicians it is always a delight to return to this historic building, with its fine Romanesque nave and peaceful surroundings, and we have given countless concerts there over the years. We are proud to be Orchestra in Residence at the Cathedral. The Orchestra has also performed in many other venues in South Wales, including elsewhere in Newport, in Cardiff, Usk, Abergavenny, Llantilio Crossenny, Devauden, Itton, and as far afield as Newport, Pembrokeshire. We perform symphonic and other repertoire for chamber orchestra, ranging from compositions of the 17th century to the present day (see MEDIA sound clips from a 2019 concert conducted by German violinist and conductor, Gernot Süßmuth). Smaller groups of players often perform solos, trios and quartets - see PAST EVENTS.
Another important strand of the Orchestra’s work is accompanying choirs. In 2020 we held a very enjoyable ‘Come and Sing’ event at Rougemont School and performed Haydn’s Nelson Mass. In October 2021 another successful workshop and concert were held in which we performed Matthew Coleridge’s Requiem at Newport Cathedral, led by the composer himself. Click HERE for a short video and see MEDIA for photographs from the day. See also PAST EVENTS for more details.
We are always interested to hear from choirs and choral societies and to discuss ideas for collaboration and joint concerts.
“A very enjoyable and uplifting day”
“Really enjoyed singing with the orchestra”
“A wonderful day”
“Impressive orchestra”
Feedback from Nelson Mass
‘Come & Sing’
The Orchestra encourages talented young musicians, both instrumentalists and singers.
The St Woolos Sinfonia greatly values the support of its Patrons and Friends. For information on how to become a Patron or a Friend, and the benefits, please see PATRONS & FRIENDS .
List of Orchestra members HERE
CHAIRMAN & LEADER
Photo: Mike Griffiths
Christoph Mädler grew up in Germany. He began playing the violin at the age of six, taught by Fritz Rank. Christoph led the Musici Medici Berlin, has been a guest leader of the Doctors’ Orchestra of Germany, is leader of the St Woolos Sinfonia and (when time allows) plays with other ensembles such as the Brecknock Sinfonia. He graduated in Medicine from the Berlin Charité, pursued his postgraduate medical training in the UK, became fellow at the Wales Heart Research Institute, Cardiff and is Consultant Cardiologist at the Grange University Hospital/Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport.
Christoph describes St Woolos Sinfonia as his ‘musical home’ and says that music is a solid counterbalance to the demands of his professional life in medicine.
Christoph plays on a violin from 1750 by the Flemish maker, Ambroise de Comble.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Irish violist Laura Sinnerton began her studies through the North Eastern Education Library Board Music Service. After completing her Bachelors of Music at the University of Ulster, Laura undertook graduate studies at the Royal Northern College of Music with Louise Lansdown before entering the studio of Sven Arne Tepl at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. She has also enjoyed studies and masterclasses with violists such as Thomas Riebl, Nobuko Imai, Are Sandbakken, and Pedrag Katanic, as well as members of the Endellion, and Parkanyi Quartets.
Laura has played with many of the major British symphony and opera orchestras, and since 2009 has been a member of the viola section of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. She is also a passionate chamber musician and is invited to perform with many ensembles around the country. She is a committed supporter of new music, and in 2021 released ‘Inner Voices’, an album of new works for solo viola by emerging composers on the NMC/Birmingham Music Label. Laura is a frequent collaborator with Irish-Welsh composer, Anselm McDonnell and can be heard on his recent album, Kraina.
Laura joins St Woolos Sinfonia from the 2025/2026 season as Artistic Director, and is excited to develop this new relationship.
St Woolos sinfonia Committee
Brian Cox, Rt Rev Dr Richard Fenwick, Emilie Godden (Principal Conductor), Prof Huw Griffiths (Minutes Secretary), Prof Vivienne Harpwood (Legal Advisor), Jane Leney & Dr James Leney (Librarians), Dr Christoph Mädler (Chair), Glynis Macdonald (Patrons & Friends Secretary), Ben Masters & Maureen Mahony (Co-Treasurers), Laura Sinnerton (Artistic Director)