Doreen Hall was born on 1 January 1937 the only child of Aldyth and Alfred Hall. Her mother was a pianist and Doreen started learning the piano from an early age, going on to reach Grade 8 in both piano and violin whilst still at school. She was a dedicated musician who spent many hours practising and even achieved 100% in her Grade 5 theory exam, much to the surprise of her tutor!

She went on to become a teacher and then to raise her own family. She continued to pursue her musical interests and for many years sang soprano with the Radlett Choral Society. She actively encouraged the musical development of her four children and later on that of her grandchildren - one of whom went on to sing with Youth Music Voices as part of the 2012 Cultural Olympiad. I can think of no better tribute to Mum than to see other young people given the opportunity to learn, create and share music through Youth Music Voices.

Mum retired to France and with her abiding passion for music she started a new life and made many dear friends in the choirs which she sang with in Provence.  Our enduring memory of her will be her sense of humour, her energy and her kindness which she was able to bring to so many situations.  Her loss is deeply felt by us all.