It is with a heavy heart that we share the sad news of the passing of Susan Croall, our cherished accompanist and friend. Susan was synonymous with Swansea Philharmonic Choir giving unparalleled service spanning nearly six decades. As our accompanist, she was a constant presence with unswerving dedication and devotion at each rehearsal. Susan’s immense talent will be deeply missed. Beyond the music, her compassion and presence touched each of us, creating memories we shall carry forward. She is a massive loss to the Choir on so many levels and she will be greatly missed. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones during this difficult time.
To honour Susan’s legacy, we have dedicated our performance of Verdi’s Requiem in her memory, gathering together to remember and celebrate the beautiful music she gifted us.
Susan was born in Bristol and educated at Badminton School, St. Alban’s High School and Leicester Collegiate. Having gained a B.Mus degree at Edinburgh University, where she also studied piano, violin and accompanying, she did teacher training at Moray College of Education. After teaching music in London Susan was appointed Head of Music at Glanmor School, Swansea and later taught piano at Oakleigh House School. She taught piano and theory privately.
Susan accompanied choirs, singers and instrumentalists including the National Eisteddfod Choir, Neath Opera and Uplands Arts Society and was Administrator of the John Fussell Award for Young Musicians. She was a former member of Swansea Bach Choir and the BBC National Chorus of Wales with which she sang in various European venues including the Vienna Musikverein and the Concertgeouw in Amsterdam as a well as concerts in Paris and Finland and performances at the Proms In London. During a long association with the Swansea Festival of Music and the Arts she served as Vice Chairman and later Administrator.
In 2020 Susan was awarded the BEM for services to music in Swansea.