Helen Bilkey
South Chiltern Choral Society are thrilled to announce that they have a new Musical Director, Helen Bilkey. Helen has taken over from Paul Burke who has led the choir for the last 9 years.Born into a Cornish family with a strong singing tradition, Helen has spent her life involved in music, both in schools and the wider community. She pursued her passion for choral direction through the completion of an MA in Choral Education under Dr Therees Tkach Hibbard and Dr Colin Durrant, working with, amongst others, the BBC Singers.
Helen has set up and directed many community choirs and choruses, with a particular focus on bringing together all age ranges and musical experiences, something which increasing studies show has a wide range of emotional and physical benefits.
Helen has directed a wide range of choral performances including the Mozart Requiem, Vivaldi Gloria, Jenkins’ Armed Man and Rutter Magnificat. As Director of Music at The Abbey, Reading, she oversees an extensive programme of concerts and performances, over 30 vocal and instrumental ensembles and conducts the Abbey Symphony Orchestra, Senior Choir, Concert Band, Upper Three choir and Staff Singers.
Having just returned from a triumphant music tour of Paris where the 60-strong choir and orchestra gave outstanding performances in the majestic surroundings of Saint Sulpice and La Madeleine, Helen is excited to be taking on the role of Music Director with the South Chiltern Choral Society.
