TWO well-known figures in the region's music circles are stepping out of the concert spotlight.

Ulverston Choral Society musical director Heather Paynes will conduct her popular choristers for the final time on Saturday, May 21 (7.30pm) at St Mary's Church.

And her husband Brian, the society's accompanist and highly regarded pianist, is also retiring.

Heather packs up her choral baton after, she says, "sixteen happy years which have sped by," having shared the joy of music and friendship with the 60-plus strong choir since her first concert as conductor at Christmas 2000.

"I am truly appreciative of the support given to me by Brian, as our accompanist - both for rehearsals and concerts - and by the untiring efforts of loyal choir members that have resulted in such high standards of performance. I wish them all a future of further success and fulfilment."

After a childhood spent on Teesside and university years in Birmingham - where she gained not only a degree but future other half Brian - Heather’s first home was in Keighley, West Yorkshire; happy years during which their three daughters were born.

In 1968 they moved to the East Riding when Brian was appointed senior lecturer in the music department of the College of Education in Hull. Heather taught as head of music in senior schools in both Hull and the East Riding and had a

great love of choral music. As well as her school choirs she directed adult SATB choirs and sang in various large and small groups. Thirty years later they moved west to retire in South Lakeland.

Heather was soon singing and conducting again, first in the Sedbergh School/Town Choir, then conducting the Sedbergh Summer Singers, and at the same time acting as co-conductor of the WI Federation Choir, a choir she has for a long time directed.

Brian spent 40 years or so in the teaching profession, heading the music departments in two grammar schools in Yorkshire, teacher training in the East Riding, before returning to school teaching as head of the music departments. He retired in 1989.

Outside the classroom, he's pursued a busy schedule revolving around private teaching and choral and orchestral activities - including conducting choirs, church organist positions, trainer of the Hull Philharmonic Orchestra, accompanist and deputy conductor of the Hull Choral Union, director for 30 years of the Elizabethans (a chamber choir founded by Heather and Brian) and close involvement with the Kingston upon Hull Musical Festival.

Throughout his career Brian has maintained his concert performances as pianist and accompanist and has amassed considerable experience in a wide variety of musical fields.

As well as a first class musician, he's also a well respected music reviewer with his authoritative reports of concerts and recitals often gracing The Westmorland Gazette's arts pages.

At the moment Brian is recovering well from a serious illness. However, UCS's president, Colin Dean, has stepped in and will accompany the choir for the May 21 spring concert, which includes Mozart's Requiem mass, Zadok the Priest by Handel, works by Michael Neaum, Parry, Britten, Lauridsen and Finzi and a medley from Les Miserables.

The illustrious line-up of soloists featured will be soprano, Tracie Penwarden, mezzo, Claire Eadington, tenor, Peter Smith, and baritone, Jolyon Dodgson.

The orchestra will be led by Wendy Cann.

Tickets at the door or from Pam Gillman on 01229-716321.