“John is very personable and has a lovely rich bass-baritone voice. He is fantastic in a duet situation, and always brings out the best in you as a singer. I also worked with John on different occasions for Festival4Stars, judging the talent competitors. He was very insightful and knowledgeable. He is a real professional.”
Laura Maggs, soprano/teacher of singing/choral director, July 19, 2011 (on Linked In)
Thank you, John […] for all the opportunities and the support for orchestral playing you continue to offer to us all. As someone who started learning relatively recently, and whose first orchestral playing ever has taken place with ‘ the Wimborne’, I have particularly appreciated and enjoyed this (despite all my early terrors!) .
Sylvia Barker, clarinettist, The Wimborne Orchestra, 9 July 2011
Singing and dancing, costumes and sets were all excellent. An efficient backstage team ensured smooth set changes. All this was crowned with a live band ensuring this show lived up to the high standard now expected of Wimborne Musical Theatre.
Congratulations to director Roy Joseph, musical director John Turner and choreographer Suzi DeVilliers for presenting musical theatre at its best.
LT (Wimborne Community Magazine, 29 June 2007)
“From Wimborne Orchestra, which has come back to life since you joined” (Thank You card, July 2005)
The Wimborne Orchestra is thriving! The membership numbers are excellent, the spirit among the players is high and the whole atmosphere is happy and friendly. With good membership our finances are also looking healthy. Most of this improvement in our fortunes is due to the enthusiasm and efforts of the conductor.
With the grateful thanks of the Committee and Members (Letter from Committee dated 3 July 2006)
Julie Lewis, Publicity Officer and Concert Manager, The Weatherbury Singers, 2 June 2005: “The Weatherbury Singers are richer for having had you as Director. You have taught us all a lot.”
Nicola Brunt, Secretary, The Weatherbury Singers, 2 June 2005: “I have enjoyed singing with you and felt the choir was achieving so much under your direction, as well as benefiting personally from your teaching. Everyone I’ve spoken to said your concert was the best yet and thoroughly enjoyed it.“
Somerset Drama Fed. Rep., Gill Scard (re Milborne Port Opera’s production of The Merry Widow, April 2004): “MUSICAL DIRECTION […]: I thought this of the highest order and I found the orchestra a delight from the first note to the finale. It was so beautifully balanced for the size of the show and the cast’s ability. The choice of players and instruments were [sic] just right. Your cast was totally comfortable in the hands of your accomplished Musical Director.”
Terry Buck, Chairman, Swanage Choral & Operatic Society: “Many thanks for all your hard work over several months. I think you did a remarkable job. I wish you well in your next ventures and if you ever need a reference on how to achieve good results in adverse circumstances, you know the address.” (Email message, 6 December 2002)
