Music Team
Musical Director
Jonathan Mann
Jonathan has a long and distinguished musical career.
His musical career commenced in Launceston, studying the organ and piano under Royland Jordan, and gaining his ARCM. Having been accepted at the Royal College of Music, he studied choral training under Sir David Willcocks, organ under John Birch of Chichester cathedral, and theory and composition with Dr William Lloyd Webber. Whilst there, he was awarded the Parratt and Haigh prizes for organ performing.
After returning home and gaining his Fellowship of Trinity College of Music (again with Royland Jordan), he was for many years Organist and Choirmaster of St Mary Magdalene’s Church, Launceston and was also the regular accompanist to St Joseph’s School Choir, Launceston.
He has broadcast on radio and television, is Musical Director of Launceston Choral Society. Diocesan Organ Advisor, Chairman of the Truro Diocesan Choral Union, and is currently the longest serving member of the Royal School of Church Music Cornwall Area, of which he is a former Chairman. Jonathan was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in 1982.
Musical Director Emeritus:
John Beare
John joined Launceston Male Voice Choir in its first year, 1969, and has been a dedicated member ever since. He has sung with many choirs over the years, including Launceston Choral Society, and is an organist and pianist. For over thirty years he was Organist and Choirmaster of Launceston Central Methodist Church.
In 2020 in recognition of his long service, John was appointed Musical Director Emeritus, and he now assists in various roles, especially with the musical assessment of new members, and supporting individual sections of the choir, where his skills are much appreciated. For many years he also acted as the choir’s Librarian, looking after the ever growing collection of music of all types and styles.
Lis Mann
Since retiring from her long-standing role as Deputy Head and Director of Music at St Joseph’s School, Launceston, Lis has joined the musical team of LMVC as accompanist. She trained at the Royal College of Music, and is also a fine ‘cellist. Her considerable experience with choirs and her pianistic skills are highly valued by the choir, which she very much enjoys accompanying.