OUR TEAM
MEET THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE COTW CHOIR HAPPEN...
BECKY DELL
Musical Director and Choir Leader
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.
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.
MEG ELLA BROOKES
Assistant Musical Director & Creative Director
Meg Ella is a professional musician who lends her arranging, composing, accompanying, creative and administrative brain to COTW as well as assisting with the day to day management of the choir.
Rachel Hattingh
Choir Manager and Pastoral Care
Rachel is the COTW Choir Manager and keeps the cogs turning.
She is a teacher, an active volunteer in aid of the refugee crisis and is studying for a Masters in counselling.
Rachel Hattingh
Choir Manager and Pastoral Care
Rachel is the COTW Choir Manager and keeps the cogs turning.
She is a teacher, an active volunteer in aid of the refugee crisis and is studying for a Masters in counselling.
MARIANNA SURI
Vocal Coach
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.
SARA SHAMSAVARI
Artistic Director
Sara is an acclaimed interdisciplinary artist who is developing the choir’s aesthetic vision to reflect our core values and expeiences. Sara’s artistic work explores global identity and exhibits internationally in galleries, museums, public and political spaces .Her work has been featured in media and publications including BBC1, New York Times and The Guardian.
TESS BERRY - HART
Press Officer and Internal Comms
Tess is a founding member of Calais Action, is a composer, studied law and is an all round power house.
We are very blessed to have her in the team and put her know how to good use.
MARK LAVENDER
Logistics and Safeguarding Officer
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.
PETE ESSEN
Financial Officer
Pete works for ActionAid and has been instrumental in establishing our financial
system and continues to handle the accounts.
NEIL WALKER
Founding Director and Trustee
Neil was a founding member and quickly became Director of COTW Choir while working for the Liberal Democrats in Parliament before moving to Copenhagen for his MA in Migration Studies and then accepting a job offer in Rwanda, where he now lives. 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.
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.
Jen Rooney is our Refugee Community Group Outreach officer, and helps rally support and new members, Tam and Dee on social media, Fadhil plays the drum for us, Sonia takes the register, Louise has done some arrangements, Mike Brookes who designed our beautiful logo, our dedicated board of trustees and so many more.
We couldn't ask for a better team and community.
