Accompanist

Pianist Lana Bode, who joined the choir in February 2010, was born in the USA and grew up in the state of Northern Virginia.  She first studied the piano at the age of seven and while at secondary school won the prestigious James A Bland Scholarship Competition in three successive years. She studied at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and then came to London to attend the Royal Academy of Music. 

Lana has performed regularly in concerts, recitals, master classes, auditions and competitions, and has won numerous prizes for her captivating performances.   She has worked extensively with vocalists and string, and woodwind and brass players.   She is currently teaching at Ealing Junior Music School and the Gower School in Islington. She regards her appointment to Croydon MVC as the next challenge in a career that has already brought many honours and widespread acclaim.

Lana comments:  "Never having played for a male voice choir before, I wasn't sure what to expect when I first attended a rehearsal.   But from the beginning, I was impressed by the precision and unity of the choir.  It is truly a rare thing to find a group of singers so dedicated and committed to excellence in their performance, and so quick to follow the conductor’s instructions, all while having a jolly good time. I am confident that I am in for some great music and lots of laughs.”

Hear Lana play on her website:  www.lanabode.com/index.html

Life's a beach for Lana

Two months after joining the Croydon choir as pianist, Lana Bode got married in the US.  Her husband is  Gabriel (Gabi) Teodoru, and the ceremony was held at Bethany Beach, Delaware.

.  

Lana had to dodge the notorious Icelandic volcanic ash-cloud both en route to the US and on her return. Lana  flew to the US from Heathrow on April 14 - the last day before British airspace was closed.  She returned on April 21, on the first United Airlines flight into Heathrow from Washington once airspace had reopened.  "We narrowly missed being stranded, or not being able to make it to the States in the first place," says Lana.  "We were very lucky."

Lana's husband Gabi is originally from Romania, and they met at Indiana University before they both moved to London.  Lana's sisters were the bridesmaids and Gabi's university friends were his attendants.  Gabi's aunt, from New Jersey, officiated at the ceremony.

"I chose to have a beach wedding because I've always loved the beach," says Lana.  "Also, I wanted to have a 'destination' wedding so that all of my family could be together without the distractions you can get at home.  Several of my relatives met Gabi for the first time a few days before the wedding.  It was nice to be in a relaxed holiday environment so we could all get to know each other."

Lana missed just one choir rehearsal on account of the wedding. She next played in public with the choir at our concert at Eden Park on May 22.

Getting to know you: Lana and Gabi on Bethany Beach

Lana contemplates married life