Parnham Voices
About us
We're a keen contemporary chamber choir based in the heart of a 7th century Dorset agricultural town famed for its ten-day Festival of Music and the Visual Arts.
Our cultural heritage is important to us, which is why we love rehearsing at Beaminster Museum, surrounded by the traditions that shaped and inspired us.
Our Music
We love the music we sing, from Palestrina, Tallis and Byrd to MacMillan, Mealor and Coleridge, from medieval to modern. We're an unauditioned chamber choir, but we're committed to achieving the highest of standards in all of our performances. We're particularly interested in hearing from new composers of a cappella music.
2022 saw us celebrate our 20th anniversary as we continue to thrive as an excellent ensemble on our journey together.
Come and see us at one of our concerts, or our ever-popular annual choral safari!
Our Musical Director
Mark Burstow is a choral conductor, choir trainer and workshop leader with more than 35 years’ experience working with singers of all ages and abilities. Born and raised in Belfast, he began conducting at nineteen, later serving as a Lay Clerk and Boys’ Vocal Coach at Belfast Cathedral before founding the Tavener Consort and directing choirs and choral societies across Northern Ireland. He is currently Musical Director of the Bournemouth Symphony Youth Chorus, directs Bella Voce Chamber Choir and is a Visiting Music Teacher at Parkstone Grammar School.
Since February 2026 Mark has directed Parnham Voices, a chamber choir based in Beaminster dedicated to unaccompanied choral music spanning six centuries. Known for an energetic, singer-centred rehearsal style and clear musicianship, he specialises in repertoire from the Renaissance to contemporary music, with a focus on tuning, blend, vocal colour and expressive interpretation.
