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Introducing Thérèse Miller

Photo by Richard Davies Photography

Thérèse was born in Ipswich and grew up in Capel St Mary. She began learning the piano aged 10 with local piano teacher, Marion Armitage. At aged 16, she was awarded a scholarship to attend the formally named Purcell School of Music in Harrow. From there, she went on to study at the Royal College of Music in London, and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

Much of Thérèse’s working life has been playing the piano for various ballet schools in London and closer to home. At one stage she was company pianist for the National Youth Ballet, and was fortunate enough to perform at Sadlers Wells and also to compose the music for a children’s ballet.

More recently Thérèse has been involved with local 1940’s style band, The Three Chordettes and the Rhumboogies. Whilst working for Dance East, Ipswich Operatic and Dramatic Society, she also teaches piano privately.

Thérèse can often be found playing for the diners at Hintlesham Hall and performing in local concerts.

Thérèse will be playing Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2 (as featured in Brief Encounter) at our next concert on Saturday, 12 July, Classical Music on Film.

Sarah’s musical journey began at the age of 4, when she picked up her first recorder - an Early Learning Centre green recorder! She took up the violin at 7, followed by the clarinet at 10, partly inspired by her late grandfather, who also played the clarinet. She studied clarinet initially with Susan Boddy before moving to Sue Barber, and later returning to Susan Boddy. From 1991 to 2000, she attended the Saturday morning music school run by Essex Music Service, helping to develop her love of music from an early age.

Sarah first tried out for St Botolph’s Music Society around 2000-02. Although circumstances meant she was only able to attend one rehearsal at the time, she eventually found her way back to the Society, joining the second violin section in September 2016. She became section leader in 2023.

Alongside her musical activities, Sarah studied with the Open University, graduating in 2012 with a BA (hons) in Humanities with German and Music. She now plays an active role both on and off the concert platform as Secretary of the SBMS committee. She also looks after the Society’s website and ticketing, and leads its marketing and communications.

With both a love of performing and a passion for helping the Society thrive, Sarah enjoys being part of the team both on and off the concert platform.

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