About us
Musical Director Helen Swift
Although Helen Swift’s classical cv is very impressive indeed - she started as a member of the National Youth Choir of Great Britain, with early success in the BBC Choirgirl of the Year competition, and then winning a choral scholarship to Clare College Cambridge, before studying opera in London and Dublin - her taste in music couldn’t be more varied and her belief in the enjoyment of singing for everyone informs everything she does.
Likewise, she’s performed in many of the major concert venues - including St Paul’s Cathedral, Grace Cathedral (San Francisco) and Domplatz (Salzburg) - and worked with distinguished artists and celebrities like Sir David Willcocks, John Rutter, Lesley Garret, and even the comic Lee Evans. But her commitment now is very much to the communities in our region. And currently, as musical director of Towcester Choral Society, Thame Choral Society, Oxford Welsh Male Voice Choir and The Knightley Singers, she continually communicates this knowledge and relish of music through her teaching skills, flair as a pianist and singer – and, of course not forgetting - her warmth of character. Helen has proved to be an inspirational leader, and rehearsals are fun, purposeful and informative.
So, we feel very lucky to have her!
Outside of her musical world, Helen loves to travel and enjoys sports from marathon running to kickboxing, rock climbing and running around after her two young children. But don’t ask us where she finds the energy…
Currently, we have 31 members, and we have been slowly building our numbers since returning to singing in September 2021.
The choir is managed by a committee consisting of Helen, our musical director, Ruth and Sue, joint chair and founders members, Richard, our treasurer, Karen and Liz, our librarians and Katie, who helps maintain the website. Many of our members help out when we’re working for performances or workshops, and Elizabeth provides our singers with recordings of the scores - together, we make a great team.
“The Knightley Singers is a fantastic social group, that brings joy and warmth into my heart.”
— Helen Swift
