The Choir
ROSEANNA SKIKUN
Roseanna took over as our Musical Director in January 2023. She is a Music Director, Vocal coach, Music and Drama teacher and Outreach Facilitator. Through her work she experiences how beneficial singing is for wellbeing, community and connection.
Roseanna trained at Guildhall School of Music and Drama (MMus) and The University of York (BA Hons Music) as a vocalist. Highlights include performing French, German and Italian song from Medieval to Modern in venues including Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival, Barbican, Rich Mix, The National Portrait Gallery (choir in residence), Latitude Festival and The Sam Wanamaker Festival at The Globe.
Roseanna undertook training to engage with community music and outreach work. She has worked with early music ensembles, as well as staff choirs and community choirs around London.
She is also Music Director of Vocality Choir in Surbiton and Kensington Singers in Notting Hill.
NATALIE BLEICHER
Natalie is our current accompanist. She is a classical pianist and composer living in Hertfordshire. She has a particular passion for contemporary music and performs new works regularly. Visit her website here.
Previous Musical Directors:
HANNAH GILL
Hannah was our Musical Director from 2017 to 2022. She is a hugely accomplished pianist, organist and choral conductor and has directed a variety of choral ensembles in a wide range of genres. She trained with the Association of British Choral Directors, and has conducted televised performances at the Choir of Wales competition and National Eisteddfod festival.
Hannah also supported us on the piano, as our accompanist, from 2013-2016, and happily stepped in as MD too - sometimes both together!
NICK WIBBERLEY
Coming from a distinguished musical family, Nick brought his special talents to the choir as MD from 2015-2017.
He created a new model for our Christmas Concert, and extended our repertoire in spirituals, musical theatre and the classics.
And, most of all, introduced us to some wonderful modern pieces - like Freddie Frahm's 'Two Turtle Songs', and Grayston Ives' 'Canticle of Brother Sun'.
ANNE KOLLAR
Anne supported us through a transitional period in 2013-14. It takes someone of special experience, talent and personality to do that.
She has all those qualities, and more. Technical, educative, supportive. The Christmas Concert 2014 was a memorable evening. 'Panis Angelicus' and a thrilling 'Phantom of the Opera' medley. Balanced by a joyous '12 Days of Christmas' with full audience participation. We won't mention the '12 Days AFTER Christmas'!
Anne's website is here.
ALYSON DENZA
Alyson led the choir from its modest beginnings through to Summer 2014 when she stepped down from her role as Musical Director.
Words that spring to mind include: charisma, vitality, enthusiasm, musicality. And what a voice!
And that very special talent to develop a Community Choir into a confident, cohesive sound.
SYBIL MICHELOW
Sybil was our accompanist from 2009 to Christmas 2012. How lucky were we? The best contralto of her generation.
And a lifetime in music. Sadly, Sybil passed away early in 2013. Read her Obituary in the Guardian here. Download a wonderful appreciation of her life here.
Occasionally we could persuade her to entertain us with a piece at the piano, or to sing in a small ensemble. That glorious voice was so recognisable. She was sympathetic to our amateur efforts, and there was no greater compliment than to see Sybil's lovely smile when we made a piece work.