Graham Cracknell

Violin

Graham has appeared as leader, soloist or member with many leading Chamber Orchestras and most of the Symphony Orchestras in London. He has toured worldwide, and made recordings of various kinds of music. He has worked with popular performers such as Paul McCartney and Shirley Bassey, and played at the wedding of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson.

Alison Cracknell

Violin

Alison studied Violin at the Royal College of Music and was a founder member of the European Baroque Orchestra. She has freelanced and made recordings with many Early Music ensembles in London and toured throughout Europe, the U.S.A. and Israel. Alison teaches violin and is a qualified pre-school teacher. She is married to Graham, they have 3 grown up children and now live in Norfolk.

Maria Dervish

Viola

Maria Prowse studied at the Purcell School and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama where she was awarded the Dudley Cookes Chamber Music Prize. Maria has freelanced with many of the London orchestras in the U.K. and abroad. She was a member of the Sterling String Quartet and has regularly performed in chamber music and solo recital concerts. In addition to F2F, Maria is also currently a member of Sinfonia Verdi, the King’s Chamber Orchestra and teaches for Hertfordshire Music Service.

Judith Brearley

Cello

Judith was a foundation scholar at the Royal College of Music and later studied with Andre Navarra. She has freelanced with many London Orchestras and was a member of the Royal Opera Orchestra, Covent Garden. Judith is much in demand as a cello teacher and a chamber music player. She is married to John who was a professional viola player and music arranger. Sadly John can no longer play with Face2Face owing to Parkinson's Disease, but he is still a big fan of the group! Judith & John have 4 grown up children.

Geraldine Warner

Double Bass

Geraldine studied double bass, classical guitar and composition at the Royal Academy of Music, and now works as a freelance player and teacher. She has lectured at the University of Hertfordshire, where she contributed to the BSc. Electronic Music, and BSc. Music Technology degrees, and was Unit Leader for Music on the B.A. Performing Arts degree, where she was able to indulge her love for musical theatre. She has a Masters’ degree in composition, and is passionate about choral singing and conducting, early music and creative writing.

Peter Desmond

Trumpet, Keyboard, Arranger

Pete studied music at the University of Leeds and Education at Birmingham University. For over 18 years he was head of music at 3 inner city secondary schools. In January 2002 he was appointed head of the music service for the London borough of Haringey; a Job he thoroughly enjoyed until taking retirement at the end of 2021. Pete’s first instrument is the trumpet. He has a wide and varied performing career including several national radio and TV appearances. He has played in a wide variety of ensembles across most popular, Jazz and classical genres. Pete has also worked extensively as a conductor, composer and arranger. Pete and his wife Celia are members of Enfield Baptist Church.

Ray Northcott

Percussion, Drums, Arranger

Ray began his musical career at the age of 7 as a drummer with a Salvation Army Band. At 15 he was the first percussionist ever invited to join the National Youth Band of Great Britain, and was immediately featured as a soloist on tuned percussion. At 18, he joined the Royal Airforce Band, and soon after that the London Symphony Orchestra. During this time Ray has worked with most of the great composers and conductors from the 20th century, travelling to almost every continent on three world tours.

Nina Cook

Singer

Since Covid, many things have changed for us all, but for Nina (and Stephen) it brought a wonderful opportunity to bring music and song with the message of the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ presented in new ways. We were able to use the 'lock down' to take our music to the local streets in garden concerts, street events and Christmas carol singing for the community, reminding our friends and neighbours of the birth of the Lord Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas, and also further afield, performing more highbrow concerts with other local musicians. In the meantime, Nina has continued with her long time highly respected vocal coach Nicholas Powell.

Andy Coomar

Singer and Guitarist

Andy is a graphic designer by profession and has been playing the guitar since he was eight. He has toured with Helen Shapiro from 1993 to 2003 as a vocalist and guitarist. He is a consummate lover of jazz and with a small group of musicians from Face2Face has played at jazz cafe's and music events when invited. He has also visited Prisons in Kent and Hertfordshire to present music workshops to the prison community. His love for Jewish music has seen him perform at a few Synagogues in London too. Currently, Andy enjoys playing guitar as a guest musician with a few bands performing hit songs of the 60’s and 70’s. He’s also a regular worship leader and ministers at two churches most Sundays.

Paul Davison

Sound Engineer and PA

Paul brings to F2F 26 years of sound technician and mixing experience from the charity sector. He has recently helped to put together our two live CD's, 'Face2Face live' and 'Free to Worship'. Paul can be relied upon to be one of the first to arrive to start the set up for our concerts. His sound engineering skills are an asset to the group and greatly appreciated by all.

Derek and Jackie Bounds

PA and Support Team

Derek and Jackie got to know Graham and Ali just as F2F was coming into being.  Since then they have been "hangers-on", pitching in to help in any way.  Lately that has meant lugging equipment and becoming trustees.  It really is a joy and a privilege to serve alongside them.

Tim Cattle

PA

Tim doubles up as chief PA technician in Paul's absence and adds his experience to the whole setting up process. Tim has been with the group from its inception and is a faithful team member who, with his wife Denise, has travelled to Novgorod with the group on numerous occasions. He has had the privilege of ministering to the inmates in Russian Prisons and to the children in Russian Orphanages. His heart is to reach out to people wherever there is need.

Chris Sansom

PA

Chris is a valued member of the P.A. team, helping to do much of the transporting and setting up.

Steve Cook

PA

Steve is married to Nina and is involved in the vital job of helping to set up the sound and PA system. He says it's hard work but very rewarding. Steve does a lot of the carrying and setting up, while Paul does all the ‘real work’ at the mixing desk. Steve says it’s always such a pleasure to sit through both rehearsals and performances!