About Us
The Filtones are a non-auditioned group who meet and rehearse at St Teresa's Community Centre in Filton, Bristol, founded in 1982.
What we're about
We love a good harmony! Whether you're thinking about joining in or watching a performance, you can expect to hear four-part harmonies through a varied repertoire from Shakespeare sonnets to Lennon and McCartney hits!
Our History
It all started in 1982 founded by Tessa and Frank Martin under the name 'The Filton Festival Choir.' Where later we combined the female and male choir to create 'The Filtones.'
A big part of the choir was our notable music director Ken Dinham a talented musician, who's musical teachings at Portway school also left a big imprint on the Bristol music scene. Whilst his passing in 1994 was a sad one, his musical arrangements still live on with the choir today, a wonderful legacy we're proud to share.
Since 2001 we have been proud to regularly host charity concerts, raising over £20,000 in support of a wide range of charities across the UK.
'We've raised more than £20,000 for charities since we started our charity concerts in 2001'
Dr Fabian Huss
Since February 2015 Dr Fabian Huss has been leading The Filtones choir. He moved to the UK in 2007 to undertake his doctorate research at Bristol University, where he completed his thesis on British composer Frank Bridge and later his book on Bridge's music published by Boydell & Brewer in 2010.
Fabian has a rich history directing and conducting choirs. He is the founding director of 'Redland Leidertafel,' musical director of 'Cheddar Male Voice Choir' and 'Harlequins.'
Music Director
Chris Green
Chris is a pianist, accompanist and music leader who particularly enjoys the energy and enjoyment of making music with choirs. She has many years' experience accompanying singers and musicians of all ages and loves helping ensembles bring their music to life.
As well as accompanying The Filtones, Chris works with Bristol Male Voice Choir and Frampton Cotterell Male Voice Choir. She is also Music Director of Rangeworthy Singers, where she leads a friendly community choir and enjoys creating a welcoming environment for singers to explore and enjoy music together.
Chris has a broad background in music education, performance and event production. As Planning & Production Director for the National Children's Orchestras, she led a team in the delivery of performances at major UK venues, while previously, as Education Manager at Bristol Beacon – Music Hub, she coordinated music education programmes and large-scale concerts and events across the city.
Whether accompanying or leading a choir, Chris loves creating the supportive, enjoyable atmosphere that helps people feel confident and involved in making music.
Our Accompanists
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Viv Marshall
Viv's love of music began with piano lessons at the age of seven and then she progressed to playing a cornet. She was also a member of Filton Girls' Choir.
At the age of 17 she joined WRAC staff band playing the trombone and singing with the band on tours. After marrying and raising a family, she started accompanying ballet and tap classes and is still doing so! She began playing for her local Scout Gang Show which performed at the Victoria Rooms and thence to Bristol Hippodrome as the Bristol Scout Gang Show.
In 1985 she took over as Musical Director of the Gang Show until 1997 when she retired, and considers herself most fortunate to have been instrumental in helping many youngsters to enjoy music. She joined The Filtones at its inception and is an integral member.