New musical director 'thrilled' to lead Knutsford choir

Claire Henry is the new musical director of Phoenix Voices in Knutsford.

The choir sprang to life in November last year.

Acclaimed conductor Ian Chestworth joined them as musical director but stepped down in July after being offered a job in Kuala Lumpar.

Singer mum-of-three Sue Stimpson said: “Fortunately, he put us in touch with Claire and, luckily for us, she starts being our new musical director in September.

“If you’re feeling low, singing with a group perks you up.

“The feeling you get is absolutely fantastic. It really improves your mental health.”

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Claire is a passionate advocate of the health and wellbeing of singing.

She is currently working with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (RLPO), devising and presenting various concerts, including performances for under fives and dementia friendly concerts.

Claire is also the lead musician on ‘Supersing’, a collaboration between the RLPO and NHS Merseycare.

The Royal Academy of Music graduate has formed numerous community choirs, one of which performed for Prince Charles.

Claire Henry met Prince Charles when one of her community choirs was invited to stage a royal performance

Collaborating with composers Kerry Andrew and John Miles, she developed two large scale choral works for children.

For many years she was animateur in residence with the City of London Sinfonia, working as far afield as Mexico and Japan.

She has sung with the BBC Concert Orchestra and collaborated with artists such as Dame Felicity Lott, Michael Collins, Gareth Malone and Gwyeth Ann Jeffers.

Claire said: "I am thrilled to be the new musical director of Phoenix Voices and can’t wait to start. "

The choir meets again on Tuesday, September 6 from 7.30pm to 9pm in an upstairs room at The Angel on King Street and is keen to recruit new members.

The first taster session is free.

For further details email phoenix-voices-knutsford@outlook.com