Max A Rush, exceptional pianist and seasoned piano teacher, started in London Sings! as our piano accompanist, and a few years ago also recently took over the role of Conductor in addition to accompanying.
It’s not always easy to both conduct the choir as well as playing piano at the same time, but Max’s sense of humour always makes it a cheerful and relaxed experience.
His patience in explaining some music theory here and there and in note bashing some difficult pieces makes everyone at ease.
Some may not know this, but as well as being a gifted musician, Max loves to spend his spare time photographing stunning London landscapes, making him a well-rounded artist.
Before his passing in 2023, Bob Bridges was Co-Founder of London Sings! and the founding Music Director of South London Community Music, the umbrella charity to which London Sings! belongs. Bob was also Conductor of South London Jazz Orchestra and South London Symphonic Winds.
Bob had extensive experience of conducting bands and choirs, gained both in the US and the UK. In the US, Bob was Founding Director and, for eight seasons, Conductor of the South San Francisco Symphony. Also, for fifteen years, he was Conductor of the chamber orchestra and wind band of the Deutscher Musik Verein San Francisco, which garnered several international competition awards. His choral work included numerous festivals and hundreds of performances, principally in Europe and the Pacific Basin.
Bob was also a Trustee of several UK-based humanitarian charities and an officer of the British Association of Symphonic Bands and Wind Ensembles (BASBWE).
Bob’s extensive business affiliations led to his being affirmed as a Fellow, by Royal Charter, of the Institute of Directors in London.
