Mansfield-born singer and singing teacher Diane Haslam is the new musical director of Mansfield Choral Society.

After graduating with honours from the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, Diane sang with the BBC Northern Singers and as soloist in concerts and recitals around Great Britain.

She moved to South Carolina in 2004 and taught as professor of voice at Newberry College and at the University of South Carolina. Diane was also conductor of the University Women’s Choir and director of Opera Workshop.

A passionate advocate for choral singing, Diane has taught hundreds of students and developed a Singing For Wellbeing class for adults, and a Vocal Initiative Workshop for young singers, using exercises she specifically developed.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be part of this organisation, to come back to Mansfield and lead such a phenomenal choral group,” she said.

ABOVE: Diane Haslam (right) is pictured with Pauline Parkhouse, chair of Mansfield Choral Society.