Peter J Williams – Conductor

Peter’s music career began very early on. Born in London, he soon made a mark as at the age of twelve when he became the country’s youngest church organist.  By the age of 14 he had formed a local choir and conducted his first choral concert. After leaving school Peter was granted a place at the London College of Music where he studied conducting with Christopher Fry as well as the piano and organ.  After graduating he joined the music teaching profession.

In 1973 Peter founded and was conductor of the Islington Choral Society, holding that post until 1990. In 1980 he founded Hillingdon Choral Society and five years later, Hillingdon Philharmonic Orchestra. He has continued to conduct both ever since.

In addition to these posts he was guest conductor of the Hillingdon Musical Society from 1989 to 1995 and for eight years was chairman of the Music Sub-Committee of the Hillingdon Arts Association.

At present Peter continues his work as a Day Course Trainer for teachers, Tutor for the University of Buckingham, Music Examiner for the London College of Music, National Director of Music of the Free Church Choirs (formerly the Free Church Choir Union) as well as a small teaching practice.

Over the years Peter has worked with many distinguished soloists. As well as conducting concerts locally he has also conducted concerts in London at the Royal Festival Hall and Queen Elizabeth Hall on the South Bank, Cadogan Hall and in a number of cathedrals in the UK and Europe.  He has led and directed many concert tours to France, Germany, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Austria, The Netherlands and Luxembourg.

In December 2015 Peter was awarded the Michael Craxton Award by the Hillingdon Arts Association for outstanding service to the music of Hillingdon over many years. Peter is married and has two daughters and three granddaughters.

Lucy Cumming – Orchestra Leader

Lucy started playing the violin at the age of eight, joined her first orchestra the same year and has enjoyed performing in orchestras ever since.

After several years of playing in the Kent County Youth Orchestra and leading the West Kent Youth Orchestra, she attended Trinity College of Music, London, studying violin with Denis East and chamber music with Vera Kantrovich. While there she won the Len Smith violin competition.

After graduating from Trinity College, Lucy worked as a freelance violinist with various orchestras and theatres, leading stage string ensembles for musicians and popular entertainers from Johnny Nash to Des O’Connor. She taught in private schools, Trinity College Junior Department and Adult Education before taking up a full time peripatetic teaching job with Hillingdon Music Service. 

As well as continuing to teach part-time and direct Music Service ensembles, Lucy is  kept busy leading other orchestras including Elstree Mozart Players and the Luce Ensemble and playing in many different ensembles around London. In addition to all of these activities she enjoys supporting music making in the Borough of Hillingdon.