DAVID WHELTON OBE, Hon RCM, Hon FRAM
– FYC PRESIDENT

David joined FYC as Honorary President in October 2017. A Farnham resident, he was Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the Philharmonia Orchestra between 1987-2016 and among his many appointments in the arts world he remains a director of the Three Choirs Festival and patron of Performers Together. In 2015 he was awarded the OBE for services to music. David’s energetic commitment and experience in harnessing new technologies will be invaluable as FYC seeks to reach out to a broader audience base. 

He says: “FYC’s musicianship and technical achievement is legendary, as is the infectious enthusiasm they bring to every performance. The contribution FYC makes to British musical life is indispensable and they are the finest possible ambassadors for our vibrant choral tradition as they perform across the world”

ANDREAS KLATT - FYC VICE-PRESIDENT

For more than 20 years Andreas has been closely associated with Farnham Youth Choir, both as a parent with three children in the choirs and in various support roles. Most notably, he has been able to secure and donate significant commissions from Sir Peter Maxwell Davies (twice), Augusta Read Thomas, Jonathan Dove and James MacMillan which have done much to further raise the choir’s profile.

LIZZIE POST - FYC OPERATIONS MANAGER AND DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD (DSL)

Lizzie joined FYC as Operations Manager in 2025. She has more than 10 years’ experience leading a busy performing arts department at a local prep school, and now combines her FYC role with her duties as Alto Lay Clerk at Guildford Cathedral, professional pianist and music examiner for the ABRSM. Lizzie is passionate about giving young people the opportunity to sing and experience group music and is thrilled to be working for a choir with an international reputation.

KAT MERRICK - FYC COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OFFICER

 Board of Trustees

MELANIE HANCOX - CHAIR - BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Melanie has extensive experience helping to steer organisations in the education sector. She is Chair of Governors at a large Guildford primary school, where she works to promote inclusivity and the access to the highest standards in education for all children. She was previously Chair of Governors at a different Guildford school for seven years. Melanie is an English teacher, has an MA in English literature from King’s College London and an MA in creative writing from the Open University. In addition to teaching and writing poetry, Melanie is also a trustee of Sonoro (www.sonorochoir.com). Melanie’s daughter was in FYC for ten years until 2022. When not governing, trusteeing and teaching, she enjoys dog-free muddy walks in the Surrey and Normandy countryside.

GILL BACKHOUSE - Vice-Chair and MARKETING & PR (TRUSTEE)

Gill is a commercial copywriter who has run her own practice since 2011. With a background in marketing and PR, she worked for businesses in the engineering, finance and insurance sectors before setting up her business, and now has a wide range of clients across all industries. Gill has sung since childhood, including with the CBSO Chorus under Simon Rattle when she was at university, and currently sings with leading chamber choir, Vasari Singers.

DAVID EGLEN - TREASURER AND TRUSTEE

JANET RUTHVEN - TRUSTEE

PAULA REDWAY - TRUSTEE

OZ AUSTWICK - TRUSTEE

DONNA COXON - TRUSTEE

CLARE WAIN - MANAGEMENT OFFICER (RECRUITMENT)