OUR TEAM
MEET THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE COTW CHOIR HAPPEN...
|
BECKY DELL
Musical Director There could be no other woman for the job when the idea of Citizens of The World Choir was first conceived. Becky is a passionate campaigner of human rights, vibrant entrepreneur, classically trained musician, former West End performer (STOMP!), a highly sought after music tutor and the CEO and owner of the Becky Dell Music Academy. She was also nominated for and won an Amnesty International Suffragette Sister Award for female human rights defenders. We couldn't have asked for more. |
NEIL WALKER
Director
Despite his young age Neil has an impressive voluntary and social campaigning portfolio. After starting in Bristol with Bristol Refugee Rights, Student Action for Refugees and the local Calais solidarity groups he spent 3 months in Ghana with the International Citizens Service volunteering as a micro development consultant and followed that spending the Christmas period working with Help Refugees in Greece.
After moving to London Neil was a founding member and quickly became Director of COTW Choir while working for the Liberal Democrats in Parliament and keeps up his role remotely from Copenhagen where he is getting his MA in Migration Studies. Whether he is in a different country or not, Neil's sunny personality, Scouse accent and infectious sense of humour are always at the heart of the choir.
Director
Despite his young age Neil has an impressive voluntary and social campaigning portfolio. After starting in Bristol with Bristol Refugee Rights, Student Action for Refugees and the local Calais solidarity groups he spent 3 months in Ghana with the International Citizens Service volunteering as a micro development consultant and followed that spending the Christmas period working with Help Refugees in Greece.
After moving to London Neil was a founding member and quickly became Director of COTW Choir while working for the Liberal Democrats in Parliament and keeps up his role remotely from Copenhagen where he is getting his MA in Migration Studies. Whether he is in a different country or not, Neil's sunny personality, Scouse accent and infectious sense of humour are always at the heart of the choir.
TOM DONALD
Pianist & Vice-Director of Music
Tom is an established jazz pianist, producer & classical composer for film & stage, he is also the CEO and Owner of the London Contemporary School of Piano and his exceptional talent and positivity have been a shining light.
Pianist & Vice-Director of Music
Tom is an established jazz pianist, producer & classical composer for film & stage, he is also the CEO and Owner of the London Contemporary School of Piano and his exceptional talent and positivity have been a shining light.
MARIANNA SURI
Vocal Coach and Assistant Director Of Music
Cypriot soprano Marianna Suri has appeared in concert, opera and recital in repertoire ranging from the baroque era to contemporary music all over the world. She joined COTW very early on and it quickly became clear that we couldn't do with out her and she lends us her considerable talent as our resident vocal coach and assistant director of music.
Vocal Coach and Assistant Director Of Music
Cypriot soprano Marianna Suri has appeared in concert, opera and recital in repertoire ranging from the baroque era to contemporary music all over the world. She joined COTW very early on and it quickly became clear that we couldn't do with out her and she lends us her considerable talent as our resident vocal coach and assistant director of music.
PETE ESSEN
Financial Officer
Pete works for ActionAid and has been instrumental in establishing our financial system and continues to handle the accounts.
Financial Officer
Pete works for ActionAid and has been instrumental in establishing our financial system and continues to handle the accounts.
TESS BERRY - HART
Press Officer and Internal Comms
Tess is a tireless campaigner for Calais Action as well a published author, philanthropist and composer and we put her wealth of experience to good use.
Press Officer and Internal Comms
Tess is a tireless campaigner for Calais Action as well a published author, philanthropist and composer and we put her wealth of experience to good use.
MARK LAVENDER
Logistics
We first met Mark at the House of Lords when working on refugee policy and solutions and the DUBS amendment with COTW patron Lord Roger Roberts of Llandudno. Mark is Lord Robert's parliamentary assistant and right hand man.
Logistics
We first met Mark at the House of Lords when working on refugee policy and solutions and the DUBS amendment with COTW patron Lord Roger Roberts of Llandudno. Mark is Lord Robert's parliamentary assistant and right hand man.
AND THERE'S MORE...
A few more worth mentioning
COTW is a well oiled machine and here are some more people who make that so.
Rachel Hattingh is our Rehearsal Mother, bringing all the refreshments and helping with travel expenses.
Jen Rooney is our Refugee Community Group Outreach officer, help rally support and new members.
Meg Ella is Becky's spare pair of hands, helping with day to day running, musical arrangements and what ever else we need.
There are also plenty of people in the choir who pitch in and help out - Tam and Dee on social media, Fadhil plays the drum for us, Sonia takes the register, Louise has done some arrangements and so many more.
We couldn't ask for a better team and community.
