An acclaimed BBC conductor who was honoured by the Queen for his work on children's choral music appeared in court alongside his wife today accused of jointly raping a former pupil.
Michael Brewer, 67, and his wife Hilary were arrested following a police investigation into allegations of historic sexual abuse upon a girl who was a former student at the prestigious Chetham's School of Music in Manchester.
Both were charged with rape and indecent assault upon the girl when she was aged between 13 and 18 in the late 1970s.
Brewer, who was awarded an OBE in 1995, was director of music at Chetham's School in Manchester for 20 years has also directed the World Youth Choir. He was the founder of the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain and is its artistic director.
The couple appeared before a district judge at Manchester magistrates court where he faced one charge of rape and six counts of indecent assault. His wife also 67 is charged with rape and indecent assault.
Both arrived and left court separately and were represented by different lawyers although they appeared together in the dock.
Mrs Brewer of, Rossendale, Lancs, wore a black mac coat with white lining and a white scarf. She spoke only to confirm her name, age and address.
They were granted bail with Mr Brewer being unable to have unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of eighteen.
They will next appear at Manchester Crown Court on June 28.
According to his biography on the National Youth Choirs website, Mr Brewer is recognised as ‘a leading figure in the choral world’ and is ‘in demand’ in Britain and worldwide for vocal and conducting workshops and guest conducting of choirs.
He serves as an adjudicator in international competitions and in 2008 led BBC workshops for the programme Last Choir Standing.
He is a consultant to over 20 award-winning UK choirs and travels the world to teach vocal and conducting techniques.
He is a regular adjudicator for BBC Choir of the Year, including the 2012 competition.
The alleged sexual offences are said to have taken place at Chetham's school and at an address in Chorlton, Manchester.
A spokesman for Chethams school said: ‘Chetham's School of Music takes all matters regarding the safeguarding of children extremely seriously and the welfare of our students is of paramount concern to all staff and governors.
‘We are aware that Michael Brewer has been charged with offences that are alleged to have happened while he was employed by the school many years ago.
‘We are co-operating with this investigation but while this matter is ongoing it would not be appropriate to comment further.’
Chetham's, which has almost 300 students aged eight to 18, is the largest specialist music school in Britain and the only one based in the north of England.
The independent school's buildings, which are 600 years old, are close to Manchester Cathedral and students are admitted on musical ability and talent - having to take part in auditions as part of the tough application process.
According to Chetham's website, Mr Brewer was the youngest and least experienced candidate when he was appointed director of music in the mid-1970s.
The award-winning choir conductor worked there for 20 years and has been described as being responsible for nurturing some of the country's brightest musical talent.
His books for Fabermusic include the best selling ‘Kickstart your Choir.’
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2155834/BBC-conductor-honoured-Queen-WIFE-raped-pupil-prestigious-music-school.html#ixzz1x7BShcbq
Michael Brewer, 67, and his wife Hilary were arrested following a police investigation into allegations of historic sexual abuse upon a girl who was a former student at the prestigious Chetham's School of Music in Manchester.
Both were charged with rape and indecent assault upon the girl when she was aged between 13 and 18 in the late 1970s.
Trial: Police arrested Micheal Brewer, left, and his wife Hilary, both pictured leaving court, after a former pupil of the prestigious Chetham's School of Music made accusations they had raped and sexually abused her
The couple appeared before a district judge at Manchester magistrates court where he faced one charge of rape and six counts of indecent assault. His wife also 67 is charged with rape and indecent assault.
Both arrived and left court separately and were represented by different lawyers although they appeared together in the dock.
Mrs Brewer of, Rossendale, Lancs, wore a black mac coat with white lining and a white scarf. She spoke only to confirm her name, age and address.
At work: Director of National Youth Choirs of Great Britain Mike Brewer OBE conducts choir members taking part in the Norfolk High Schools Choir Festival
Mr Brewer of Selly Oak, Birmingham, wore a black pin stripe suit with a white shirt and blue and white tie, he too spoke only to confirm his name, age, and address.They were granted bail with Mr Brewer being unable to have unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of eighteen.
They will next appear at Manchester Crown Court on June 28.
According to his biography on the National Youth Choirs website, Mr Brewer is recognised as ‘a leading figure in the choral world’ and is ‘in demand’ in Britain and worldwide for vocal and conducting workshops and guest conducting of choirs.
He serves as an adjudicator in international competitions and in 2008 led BBC workshops for the programme Last Choir Standing.
Acclaimed: Micheal Brewer OBE was director of music at Chetham's School in Manchester for 20 years has also directed the World Youth Choir, among a list of high profile events
He is a regular adjudicator for BBC Choir of the Year, including the 2012 competition.
The alleged sexual offences are said to have taken place at Chetham's school and at an address in Chorlton, Manchester.
A spokesman for Chethams school said: ‘Chetham's School of Music takes all matters regarding the safeguarding of children extremely seriously and the welfare of our students is of paramount concern to all staff and governors.
‘We are aware that Michael Brewer has been charged with offences that are alleged to have happened while he was employed by the school many years ago.
‘We are co-operating with this investigation but while this matter is ongoing it would not be appropriate to comment further.’
Accusations: The allegations of historic sexual abuse centre upon a girl who was a former student at the prestigious Chetham's School of Music in Manchester, pictured
The independent school's buildings, which are 600 years old, are close to Manchester Cathedral and students are admitted on musical ability and talent - having to take part in auditions as part of the tough application process.
According to Chetham's website, Mr Brewer was the youngest and least experienced candidate when he was appointed director of music in the mid-1970s.
The award-winning choir conductor worked there for 20 years and has been described as being responsible for nurturing some of the country's brightest musical talent.
His books for Fabermusic include the best selling ‘Kickstart your Choir.’
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2155834/BBC-conductor-honoured-Queen-WIFE-raped-pupil-prestigious-music-school.html#ixzz1x7BShcbq
