WILL BRUCE
Will Bruce leads St Paul’s Cathedral’s acclaimed music partnership programme, which engages diverse new audiences with the Cathedral’s world-renowned music foundation. This programme shares sacred music with thousands of children in schools and communities across London, through weekly, whole-class singing sessions and after-school partner choirs, including Hackney Choral, bringing them to sing for Liturgies and events at the Cathedral. Other national arts organisations look to this programme for inspiration, and Will’s work has recently been featured in Cathedral Music magazine.
Formerly, Will was a Choral Director at Leeds Cathedral for the National Schools’ Singing Programme, widely recognised as one of the leading choral education programmes in the country through its work with over 6,500 children per week in areas of social marginalisation and economic deprivation. Before Leeds, he gained a first- class Music degree from King’s College London and graduated with distinction from the University of Birmingham’s Choral Conducting Masters programme, under the tutelage of Simon Halsey CBE. Will is the Designated Safeguarding Lead for all Choral Partnerships activities.
GEORGE COOK
Inspiring the next generation of singers is a priority for George, he delivers St Paul’s Cathedral’s Choral Curriculum in four primary schools in Hackney, as well as being Assistant Director of Hackney Children’s and Senior Choir.
He is the Co-Lead of Learning and Engagement for the Whiddon Autumn Festival and leads workshops for the VOCES8 Foundation. George also presents and compères concerts, in particular the annual Festive Family Carols concerts and Family Classic concerts at St Martin-in-the-Fields.
After studying Music at Durham University, where he was also senior choral scholar at Durham Cathedral, George became a Music teacher for two years at Oakham School, holding choral scholarships at Peterborough Cathedral, and Ipswich School respectively. He is a graduate of the Genesis Sixteen and National Youth Choir Fellowship schemes and manages a busy freelance schedule as a baritone.
GINNY STRAWSON
Ginny Strawson has been working for Hackney Music Service for many years, teaching violin and piano to children of all ages and abilities. She also coaches ensembles and as an accompanist has given recitals and played for competitions. Ginny also plays violin with the Apollo Chamber Orchestra and the English Sinfonia. She is particularly interested in giving ensemble and performance opportunities to young people.
ANDREE CRUMP
Andree is a Pastoral Assistant with the children’s choir and supports our community through hospitality.
THEO ANDRÉ-WATSON
Theo is the Hackney Choral administrator. He looks after child and parent liaison, as well as assisting with the welfare of our young people during rehearsals.
LOUISE WILCOX
Louise Wilcox is the Safeguarding Officer at St Paul’s Cathedral. Any safeguarding concerns can be raised with her. She can be contacted via lwilcox@stpaulscathedral.org.uk or telephone number 020 7246 8350.