International Ambassadors

The greatest venues and festivals everywhere have welcomed him, from the National Opera in Paris and the Metropolitan Opera in New York to London’s Royal Opera House, the Chorégies in Orange, Berlin’s Deutsche Oper and La Scala in Milan.

In his 30-year career, French-Sicilian tenor Roberto Alagna has added over sixty roles to his repertoire: Alfredo, Calaf, Canio, Cavaradossi, Don Carlo(s), Don Jose, Faust, Manrico, Maurizio, Nemorino, Otello, Radames, Rodolfo, Romeo, Ruggero, Turiddu, Werther…, all in performances which have made Alagna the most famous French tenor in the world. Also, his taste for exploration has shown his love for lesser-known or long-forgotten repertory, via productions, concerts and recordings he championed such as Massenet’s Le jongleur de Notre-Dame, Le Cid or La Navarraise, Lalo’s Fiesque, Zandonaï’s Francesca da Rimini, Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, Le roi Arthus by Chausson and L’enfant prodigue by Debussy… He sang as well in Meyerbeer’s Vasco da Gama, a very rarely staged critical edition of L’Africaine. In 2017 at the Metropolitan Opera, he revived a flamboyant Cyrano de Bergerac by Alfano in its original version of 1935 (acknowledged as the “Alagna’s version” in the reissued score by Ricordi). Even two contemporary operas have been composed especially for him, Vladimir Cosma’s Marius et Fanny, after Marcel Pagnol, and Le dernier jour d’un condamné, after Victor Hugo, which was composed by David Alagna with a libretto by Roberto and Frederico Alagna, premiered on stage in France in 2014 and released in DVD.

A prolific discography, a fertile eclecticism

His genuine love for an immoderate number of roles (and the genius of their composers) has made Alagna’s discography as impressive as his insatiable curiosity for vocal art. Exclusive artist with EMI (1993–2004) then Deutsche Grammophon (2005-2017), he signed in 2017 with Sony Classical. With recordings for Erato, Sony, EMI and Deutsche Grammophon these past ten years, his discography is one of the richest that exists and covers a wide range: complete sets, duets, oratorios, operas, anthologies of great works, religious and popular songs. Credo, Viva Opéra, Airs de Berlioz, Bel canto, Robertissimo, Luis Mariano, Sicilian, Pasión are some of his numerous albums, reflecting the musical eclecticism of his career. His records have sold in millions. He was praised for his album released in late 2014, My life is an Opera, an emotional recital of arias and duets illustrating his career and personal story as a librettist’s tale. In fall 2016, he brought out a songs’ album, Malèna, offering original creations as well as reinterpreted great Neapolitan classics. In October 2018, Sony released his first duets album fully dedicated to Puccini, recorded with soprano Aleksandra Kurzak, and Warner Classics a full recording of La Navarraise by Massenet. A brand-new solo album – a tribute to great tenor Caruso – is expected before year-end 2019.

Malgosia Bela (Małgorzata Bela) born on 6 July 1977 in Kraków, Poland is a Polish fashion model and actress.

Bela became a successful runway and editorial model in the late nineties, appearing on the covers of many international editions of Vogue, including Vogue Italia and Vogue Paris.

Lanvin, Valentino, Jil Sander, and Versace enlisted her in their advertising campaigns. In 2001 Bela moved on to an acting career, playing leading role in the Polish movie Stranger (dir. Małgorzata Szumowska) and the Italian/Polish production Karol: A Man Who Became Pope about the Polish Pope John Paul II. She continues to undertake film projects in Poland. She returned to the fashion industry in 2006, appearing in advertising campaigns for the houses of Louis Vuitton, Chloé, Jil Sander, Donna Karan, and Marc by Marc Jacobs, and for retailers H&M and Barneys. She appeared in the Pirelli Calendar for 2009 and 2012. She is the face of many cosmetic products, like Chanel, Stella McCartney’s perfume, Max Factor makeup. At the age of 34, Malgosia keeps working for the most important magazines and brands. Before her career in the fashion and film industry, Malgosia played the piano for 12 years and got her diploma in 1998, she also studied literature and linguistics, in which she majored in 2006.

“Even though I took a different path in my professional life at some point, music has always been very important to me. Twelve years of intense musical studies and playing the piano played a crucial role in my upbringing, in shaping my character, helping me becoming the person I am today. Music filled my life for many years and i am grateful for that experience, it definitely was the time spent well, even if I did not end up being a concert pianist. Today I observe my seven year old son beginning to read the notes and I wish the learning experience could be more exciting, more fun for children, who have so many distractions nowadays. I will always support with all my heart, a project that helps to introduce and propagate classical music, I believe our children, OUR WORLD needs that.”

JOSHUA BELL is one of the most celebrated violinists of his era. His restless curiosity, passion, and multi-faceted musical interests have earned him the rare title of “classical music superstar.”

Recently named the Music Director of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, Bell is the first person to hold this post since Sir Neville Marriner formed the orchestra in 1958.

Equally at home as a soloist, chamber musician, recording artist and orchestra leader, Bell’s 2014 summer highlights include performances with the Indianapolis and Detroit Symphonies and the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl. Appearances at Aspen, Festival del Sole Napa, Ravinia, Verbier, Salzburg, Mostly Mozart and Tanglewood and two concerts with the New York Philharmonic in New York’s Central and the Bronx’s Van Cortland Parks round out the summer. Bell kicks off the new season at the New York Philharmonic, Toronto, and National Symphony Orchestra galas. A U.S. and European recital tour with pianist Alessio Bax, a week with the New York Philharmonic and a European tour with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields are just some of this year’s highlights.

The year 2015 commences with European tours with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, and with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe as well as a U.S. and Canadian recital tour with pianist Sam Haywood. Spring guest soloist performances with orchestras include The Munich Philharmonic and Ochestra Nacional d’Espana and three Czech chamber music concerts at London’s Wigmore Hall with cellist Steven Isserlis and pianist Jeremy Denk.

An exclusive Sony Classical artist, Bell has recorded more than 40 CDs since his first LP recording at age 18 on the Decca Label. In October, 2014 HBO will air the documentary special Joshua Bell: A YoungArts MasterClass to coincide with the eagerly anticipated release of his Bach album recorded with The Academy of St Martin in the Fields.

Remo Butler is currently an independent consultant, he was most recently the Project Manager for the Baghdad Embassy Security Force in Iraq in which he had 2,500 Ugandans, Kenyans, Peruvians, Indians, South African’ and Americans under his leadership.

He has worked for many large companies both in and out of the US. He has worked as Deputy Program Manager for LOGCAP III a 5.8 billion dollar project in the MidEast, with over 55,000 employees. He also was business development Manager for KBR. And worked for SOC as Director of International security, and as Project Manager. He joined KBR in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in May 2004 following an Army career of 29 years which culminated as a Brigadier General serving as the Director of the Center for Command Support, United States Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. Brigadier General (Ret) Butler spent the majority of his Military career in the US Army Special Forces, and commanded at every level to include Commander of Special Operations Command South. He also Commanded 1st Special Warfare Training Group in Ft Bragg NC.

Brigadier General (Ret) Butler was born November 16, 1951 in Egypt, Mississippi. He was commissioned second lieutenant in 1974 with the U.S. Army upon graduation from Austin Peay State University. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and a Master of Science degree from Troy State University in Personnel Management. He is also the first Black Special Forces General. He is married to Mylitta Butler and has one son Remo II. He takes great pride in the number of young people he has mentored over the years and continues to empower the next generation.

Mauro Castillo, Actor, Singer, Composer, Music Producer and Trombone player from Cali Colombia, is worldwide known for being the voice of “Felix” in the Disney movie “Encanto” winner of the Oscar and BAFTA Awards for best Animated movie.

With a Music degree from the Valle del Cauca University, Colombia. Mauro has been part of the Grammy winner “Grupo Niche” as Best Salsa Album, and has worked as a Music producer and Composer for re known artist such as, Oscar De Leon, Joe Arroyo, Chalei Zaa, Tito and the music reality “The X Factor”.

With more than three thousand concerts in his career, Mauro Castillo is one of the most important salsa performers and Colombian exponents today.

Amongst his awards and recognitions:

• Congress of the Republic of Colombia for his contributions to the Arts on the Afro Colombian Culture and Musical Education.
• 2 Latino Show Awards for best Salsa and Tropical Artist.
• India Catalina Awards – as an actor for the series “Joe La Leyenda”
• “Petronio Alvarez” 3 consecutive Awards at the biggest folkloric Music Festival in the Colombian pacific coast.

Enas Daeki, a refugee advocate and founder of Arabela Beauty Agency.

She overcame cultural limitations and personal struggles to become a champion of women’s empowerment. Born in Libya, she defied societal norms by pursuing her passion for beauty and fashion, ultimately establishing a UK-based agency that supports refugee and female-founded brands.

Enas’s journey was marked by adversity, including her father’s tragic passing and her battle with bulimia exacerbated by the Libyan civil war. Despite these challenges, she emerged stronger, dedicating herself to personal growth and becoming a renowned personal development trainer in Europe.

Through her best-selling book, The Beauty of Pain, Enas shares her inspiring story and encourages women to embrace life’s challenges as opportunities for personal development. She continues to advocate for refugees and women worldwide, emphasizing the importance of inner strength and resilience in achieving one’s goals.

Together with her husband Tre Lowe, they are dedicated to making a positive difference, that empowers the lives of millions.

Matt Dusk is one of Canada’s most beloved male vocalists, forging a career in music that has resulted in fourteen critically-acclaimed studio albums and sold over one million albums world wide.

Dusk has been awarded four gold albums: Two Shots (Canada, The Netherlands) and Good News, Sinatra Vol.2, four Platinum albums: My Funny Valentine and Just the Two of Us, Old School Yule!, Jetsetjazz and Sinatra Vol.1

He has had three number one radio hits: All About Me (Canada), Back in Town (Japan), and Good News (France), is an alumnus of the St. Michael’s Choir School and studied under jazz piano legend Oscar Peterson at York University.

Notable award nominations include, five Juno awards, one ADISQ, and one Róże Gali: Muzyka.

“Crooners like Toronto’s Matt Dusk has taken what he has learned from the greats and molded it for a modern audience.”
– LA Times

“Blending distinctly Sinatra-esque swagger, Dusk is waist deep in grandiose arrangements that are dripping with Sin City excess and turns the clock back some four decades with excellence.”
– Jazz Times

“Matt Dusk impressively brings Las Vegas back to the glory days as the standards- singer sounds remarkably like Rat Packer Frank Sinatra.”
– Billboard

Guy Chambers is one of the UK’s most successful living songwriters having worked with artists including Tina Turner, Kyle Minogue, Will Young, Scissor Sisters, Busted, Melanie C, Diana Ross, Tom Jones, James Blunt, Rufus Wainwright, Mark Ronson and many more.

Guy is best known for his collaborations with Robbie Williams, co-writing some of Williams’ most iconic hits including ‘Angels’, ‘Millennium’, ‘Feel’, ‘Let Me Entertain You’ and ‘Rock DJ’.

Their first work together, ‘Life Thru A Lens’, was released in 1997, with singles ‘Angels’ and ‘Let Me Entertain You’ propelling the album into the UK No.1 spot. The pair co-wrote and released 5 UK no.1 albums in 5 years: ‘I’ve Been Expecting You’, ‘Sing When You’re Winning’, ‘Swing When You’re Winning’ and ‘Escapology’. All topped the UK album charts, and scored number one spots in Ireland, France, Germany, Austria, Sweden, Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand. For his work with Robbie Williams, Chambers has won multiple awards, including three BRITS; three Ivor Novello awards (including Song of the Decade for ‘Angels’), and a Q Classics Songwriter award.

As a songwriting polymath, Guy’s writing collaborations have had chart topping success throughout Europe. These co-writes include: Marlon Roudette’s single ‘New Age’ that went straight to no.1 in Germany and Austria, Russia and Switzerland in 2011; ‘Tears and Rain’ with James Blunt that appears on Blunt’s iconic 2003 album ‘Back to Bedlam’; ‘First Day of my Life’ by Spice Girl Melanie C which topped charts in Germany, Spain, Portugal and Switzerland and was covered by world famous tenor Andrea Bocelli.

Guy is always seeking new creative endeavours and in 2019, Guy and Robbie Williams teamed up with Chris Heath to compose the music and lyrics for the RSC’s musical adaptation of David Walliams’ book ‘The Boy in the Dress’. The show opened to five star reviews (The Independent, What’s On Stage) at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon.

This builds on the success of Guy’s folk opera for children based on the Oscar Wilde short story ‘The Selfish Giant’ which premiered at The Vaudeville Theatre in London’s West End in 2018. In 2019 Guy released his debut solo piano album, ‘Go Gentle Into the Light’ – a collection of some of the best-loved songs by him and Robbie Williams reimagined for solo piano and is currently working on his next solo album.

More info: guychambers.com

UK Bassist Yolanda Charles started her career in the music business playing for Jimmy Sommerville from The Communards and with London bands Raw Stylus and Urban Species in the 1990’s.

A career as a session musician followed for the next 30 years working with artists such as: Paul Weller, Marcella Detroit, Pops Mohammed, Alison Moyet, Desert Eagle Discs, Gabrielle, Robbie Williams, BB King, Eric Clapton, Roger Daltrey, Van Morrison, Mick Jagger and recording for Michael Jackson with Jermaine Jackson producing. Work from 2010 onwards included performing live with Anastasia, Lulu, Heather Small, Natasha Bedingfield, Sinead O’Connor, Daryl Hall, Musical Director for Dave Stewart’s London appearances, and in TV house-bands for shows hosted by Ricky Wilson (Kaiser Chiefs) & Nicole Scherzinger (Pussy Cat Dolls).

Between 2014 and 2020 Yolanda performed and recorded with composer Hans Zimmer for the Hans Zimmer Live shows that toured Europe, the South Pacific region and the US. She has also worked on various film soundtracks including “A Knight’s Tale” “Alfie” “Home” “War on Everyone” & “Boss Baby I & II’ and “DUNE”.

In 2018 Yolanda broadened her scope of work accepting engagements with Laura Mvula, Mercury Award nominee Eska, Pianist Tomasz Bura’s Jazz Fusion quartet and as part of the Brian Jackson trio UK Band (Gil Scott-Heron co-writer) and joined British band Squeeze, touring in the UK and US throughout 2017 – 2019 recording their most recent album “The Knowledge” in 2017.

In 2020 Yolanda was honoured with an MBE (Member Of The Most Excellent Order Of The British Empire) for services as a musician in the UK music business.

In more recent months Yolanda began developing outlets for more of her unique creative expression. She started her own company as a music business consultant and personal mentor/coach for musicians, her advice is shared during live-streams on her Twitch channel where she interviews other musicians to share insight and advice from industry professionals to the wider community. She also continues to lecture and hold workshops in music colleges around the UK and is writing an autobiography. Her poetry, essays and spoken word compositions are published on Substack and she is recording in preparation for the release of new music with her band PROJECT PH. They currently have a residency at London’s Ronnie Scott’s.

One of the most beloved and celebrated musical ambassadors of our time, soprano Renée Fleming captivates audiences with her sumptuous voice, consummate artistry, and compelling stage presence.

At a White House ceremony in July of this year, the President awarded Ms. Fleming the National Medal of Arts, America’s highest honor for an individual artist. Known as “the people’s diva” and winner of the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Classical Vocal Solo, she continues to grace the world’s greatest opera stages and concert halls, now extending her reach to include other musical forms and media. Over the past few seasons, Ms. Fleming has hosted a wide variety of television and radio broadcasts, including the Metropolitan Opera’s Live in HD series for movie theaters and television, and Live From Lincoln Center on PBS.

As a musical statesman, Renée Fleming has been sought after on numerous distinguished occasions, from the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize ceremony to performances in Beijing during the 2008 Olympic Games. In January 2009, Ms. Fleming was featured in the televised We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial concert for President Obama. In 2012, in an historic first, Ms. Fleming sang on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in the Diamond Jubilee Concert for HM Queen Elizabeth II. Ms. Fleming has also performed for the United States Supreme Court and, in November 2009, celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Czech Republic’s “Velvet Revolution” at the invitation of Václav Havel. An additional distinction was bestowed in 2008 when, breaking a precedent, Ms. Fleming became the first woman in the 125-year history of the Metropolitan Opera to solo headline an opening night gala.

In 2012, Renée Fleming added a new role to her repertoire, Strauss’s Ariadne auf Naxos, at Baden-Baden in a new production by Philippe Arlaud, conducted by Christian Thielemann. She appeared in the title role of Arabella in a new production at the Paris Opera, conducted by Philippe Jordan. Her Marschallin in Der Rosenkavalier, under the baton of Constantin Trinks, was seen at the Munich Opernfestspiele. Renée began the 2012-13 season as Desdemona in Otello at the Metropolitan Opera, conducted by Semyon Bychkov, and broadcast around the world via the MET Opera Live in HD. 2013 will find her at Carnegie Hall and Lyric Opera of Chicago in André Previn’s A Streetcar Named Desire, playing Blanche DuBois, a role she created in the world premiere. In June of 2013, she returns to Vienna as the Countess in Strauss’s Cappriccio, conducted by Christoph Eschenbach .

Renée’s busy concert calendar this year has included galas at the San Diego Opera, Providence Performing Arts Center, and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, as well as appearances with the Seattle, Vancouver, Oregon, Colorado, San Antonio, Baltimore, and Cincinnati Symphony orchestras and the Santiago Philharmonic. Renée began the 2012-13 season singing for the inaugural concerts of Christian Thielemann as principal conductor of the Staatskapelle Dresden and Yannick Nézet-Séguin as Music Director of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Her 2012-13 recital schedule includes Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Quito, Bogota, Guayaquil, Paris, Geneva, London, Vienna, Hong Kong, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Taipei. A January 2013 duo recital tour with Renée’s friend, mezzo-soprano Susan Graham, includes San Francisco, Los Angeles, Palm Desert, Chicago, New York and Boston.

A four-time Grammy winner, Ms. Fleming won the 2013 Best Classical Vocal Solo Grammy Award for Poèmes (Decca, 2012), a collection of 20th-Century French music, including works composed especially for her by Henri Dutilleux. In June 2010, Decca and Mercury records released the CD Dark Hope, which features Ms. Fleming covering songs by indie-rock and pop artists. Recent DVD releases include Handel’s Rodelinda, Massenet’s Thaïs and Rossini’s Armida, a three in the Metropolitan Opera Live in HD series, and Verdi’s Traviata, filmed at London’s Royal Opera House. Ms. Fleming’s 2010 DVD Renée Fleming & Dmitri Hvorostovsky: A Musical Odyssey in St. Petersburg follows Ms. Fleming and baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky to Russia, where they explore and perform in some of St. Petersburg’s most historic locations. In recent years, this fourteen-time Grammy nominated artist has recorded everything from Strauss’s complete Daphne to the jazz album Haunted Heart to the movie soundtrack of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. She recorded Alexandre Desplat’s theme song, “Still Dream” for the soundtrack of the Dreamworks Animation feature, “Rise of the Guardians,” a major Thanksgiving 2012 release. Her recording honors range from the 2009 Echo Award for Strauss’s Four Last Songs to the Prix Maria Callas Orphée d’Or by the Académie du Disque Lyric for TDK’s DVD production of Capriccio. In February, 2012, Ms. Fleming received the Victoire d’Honneur, the highest award conveyed by the French Victoires de la Musique.

Renée Fleming’s artistry has been an inspiration to many other prominent artists, such as Chuck Close and Robert Wilson, whose portraits of her were included in the Metropolitan Opera’s 2007 fundraising auction. Two portraits of Ms. Fleming were also created by Francesco Clemente, who revealed one in Salzburg in spring 2007, with the Metropolitan Opera displaying the other in 2008. Photographic portraits include works by Brigitte Lacombe, Annie Leibovitz, and Irving Penn, among others.

Ms. Fleming is a champion of new music and has performed works by a wide range of contemporary composers, including recent compositions by Henri Dutilleux, Brad Mehldau, André Previn, and Wayne Shorter. Among her numerous awards are the Fulbright Lifetime Achievement Medal (2011); Sweden’s Polar Prize (2008); theChevalier de la Légion d’Honneur from the French government (2005); Honorary Membership in the Royal Academy of Music (2003); and honorary doctorates from Carnegie Mellon University (2012), the Eastman School of Music (2011) and The Juilliard School (2003), where she was also commencement speaker.

An advocate for literacy, Renée Fleming has been featured in promotional campaigns for the Association of American Publishers (Get Caught Reading), and the Magazine Publishers of America’s READ poster campaign for the American Library Association. She was honored by The New York Public Library as a “Library Lion.” Her book, The Inner Voice, was published by Viking Penguin in 2004, and released in paperback by Penguin the following year. An intimate account of her career and creative process, the book is also published in France by Fayard Editions, in the United Kingdom by Virgin Books, by Henschel Verlag in Germany, Shunjusha in Japan, and by Fantom Press in Russia.

In addition to her work on stage and in recordings, Renée Fleming has represented Rolex timepieces in print advertising since 2001. In 2008, she launched La Voce by Renée Fleming, a fragrance designed for her, with the proceeds benefiting the Metropolitan Opera. Master Chef Daniel Boulud created the dessert “La Diva Renée” (1999) in her honor, and she inspired the “Renée Fleming Iris” (2004), which has been replicated in porcelain by Boehm. Having been added to Mr. Blackwell’s best dressed list, her concert gowns have been designed by Reem Acra, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano for Dior, Douglas Hannant, Christian Lacroix, Oscar de la Renta, Angel Sanchez and Vivienne Westwood. In addition to serving as the face of opera for two public transit campaigns in New York and London, Ms. Fleming has appeared on The Martha Stewart Show, Spectacle: Elvis Costello with…, The Viewand Prairie Home Companion as “Renata Flambé,” among numerous other media outlets.

Ms. Fleming is currently a member of the Board of Trustees of the Carnegie HallCorporation, the Board of Sing for Hope, and the Advisory Board of the White Nights Foundation of America. In 2010, she was named the first ever Creative Consultant at Lyric Opera of Chicago. She is currently curating the creation of a world-premiere opera based on the best-seller Bel Canto for Lyric Opera’s 2015-2016 season.

Decca Publishing’s Patrick Hamilton is a flag bearer for the next generation of producer, composer and arranger.

A leading figure in classical crossover music, his ambitions, which are shared with his publisher, include the verticals of artist production alongside film and TV score composition, which together bring his unique skill set to the adult contemporary classical space.

Although artistically diverse and creatively travelling in various lanes, Patrick’s DNA is rooted in the classical space. Classically trained at the Royal Conservatorium Bruges & Ghent in Belgium, he started his career as a session player with many leading Belgian artists, which led to more and more work as a producer-engineer.

At that time, his work was focused on Belgian and Dutch artists/television programmes (Pop Idol, The X-Factor) and musicals (Dance of the Vampires, Fiddler on the Roof, Annie, Oliver). It was the duality of these genres, the classical and the popular, which led to Patrick becoming a leading figure in adult contemporary classical crossover – a rapidly expanding genre sitting alongside core classical and straight pop.

As word of mouth spread, Hamilton became the go-to producer for a range of international artists – Katherine Jenkins, Alfie Boe, Fernando Varela, Mark Masri, Richard Clayderman, Trystan Llyr Griffiths, David Garrett, Bryn Terfel, to name a few. It was his ongoing collaborations with Decca Records that led to Patrick joining the newly created Decca Publishing unit, launched in 2017.

He has worked with the best-selling classical female artist, Katherine Jenkins, over a number of albums, including her 11th studio album, Guiding Light, which is released this November on Decca Records, where he took the helm for production duties alongside arranging and writing.

Patrick is also currently developing a number of film and TV score compositions alongside his ongoing production duties.

In addition to his successful producing career, Patrick runs his own The Globe Recording Studios (founded in 2002) as well as operating BROMO Music Publishing, the publishing department of The Globe music company. The studios have welcomed a wide range of artists including Katherine Jenkins, Johnny Logan, Matt Dunkley, Fernando Varela, Jessica Lynn, Cardfall, Mark Masri.

Kienda Hoji is The Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Academy of Contemporary Music UK. He is also a music law and business consultant.

He has worked for many years in both the major and independent sectors of the music industry. He has also held two international lectureships in Helsinki Finland and St Petersburg Russia. In addition to this he is a visiting Professor at Peking University, Beijing China where he teaches global music industry management and undertakes music industry research with Peking University’s cultural studies institute. He has sat on various music industry committees such as the Performing rights society advisory forum, the British R&B Association and is a founding member of the Entertainment sport and media law committee of the African Caribbean and Asian Lawyers group. He assisted the UK Government in devising and implementing the New Deal for Musicians programme, having previously advised Kingston University’s Small Business Research Centre on the methodology for ‘Banking On a Hit’ (2001, DCMS).

Away from academic work Kienda continues to be active in the business as a Business consultant and Artist manager. Currently a member of the MMF (Music Managers Forum) and sits on the UK Music Diversity Task force.

Jools Holland is an English pianist, bandleader, singer, composer and broadcaster.

An original member of Squeeze, in 1987 he formed with Gilson Lavis The Jools Holland Big Band. This has gradually grown into his 18 piece Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, with which he regularly records and tours.

He has released 23 studio albums to date and has collaborated with some of the biggest international stars.

Jools is currently putting the final touches to his brand new “Pianola. PIANO & FRIENDS” album, which will feature some stellar guests, including Lang Lang, and is co-produced by Nitin Sawhney and Laurie Latham, with one track produced by Mousse T. It will be released in the Autumn 2021 on Warner Music.

He has also been the host of the iconic BBC TWO music TV show ‘Later… with Jools Holland’ for 58 series thus far.

Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ron Howard is one of this generation’s most popular directors.

From the critically acclaimed Oscar-winning dramas A Beautiful Mind and Apollo 13 to the hit comedies Parenthood and Splash, he has created some of Hollywood’s most memorable films.

A Beautiful Mind earned Howard an Oscar for Best Director and Best Picture, and went on to win Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress. Additionally, Howard won Best Director of the Year from the Directors Guild of America.

Other films include the Grammy award winning Best Music Film The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years, Solo: A Star Wars Story, Rush, The Da Vinci Code, Frost/Nixon, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Ransom, Backdraft, The Paper, Far and Away, and Cocoon, just to name a few. Howard has also served as an executive producer on a number of award-winning films and television shows, such as the Emmy-winning HBO miniseries From the Earth to the Moon, Fox’s Emmy Award winning Best Comedy Arrested Development, a series which he also narrates, NBC’s Parenthood, and NatGeo’s award winning anthology series Genius.

Howard is currently in post-production on the film adaptation of the best-selling memoir Hillbilly Elegy, is in production on the documentary Rebuilding Paradise. His most recent film, the documentary Pavarotti, about famed tenor and larger than life talent Luciano Pavarotti, opened to rave reviews.

Howard made his directorial debut in 1977 with the comedy Grand Theft Auto. He began his career in film as an actor, first appearing in The Journey and The Music Man. He later stared as Opie on the long-running television series The Andy Griffith Show and as Richie Cunningham on popular series Happy Days, both Nielsen rated #1 series.

Whether it be from in front of or behind the camera, or for film, television or documentaries, Howard has been a part of many of the most significant projects in every decade since the 60’s.

Fast-emerging British singer, songwriter and pianist Reuben James’ virtuoso jazz techniques and soulful, evocative voice have led him to be widely regarded as one of the most exciting and creatively assured artists to have emerged in recent years.

Although perhaps best known for his ongoing collaborations with Sam Smith, which have included co-writing songs for Smith’s 4 million-selling album The Thrill of It All, James has written for and performed with an array of international star acts including the likes of Joni Mitchell, Bonnie Raitt, Brandi Carlile, Herbie Hancock, John Legend, Tori Kelly, Little Mix, Disclosure and Liam Payne amongst many others.

Reuben’s Sophmore EP ‘Slow Down’ landed to critical acclaim in 2020, with lead singles ‘My Line’ and ‘So Cool’ achieving radio plays across BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 2, BBC Introducing and Jazz FM. Reuben released his single ‘BBQ Energy’ in late 2020 followed by the star-studded ‘Tunnel Vision’ featuring Frida Touray, Daley with Tom Misch in early 2021.

WYCLEF – Carnival III: The Fall and Rise of a Refugee

The music that Wyclef Jean has written, performed, and produced — both as a solo superstar and as founder and guiding member of the Fugees — has been a consistently powerful, pop cultural force for over two decades. ​In 1996, the Fugees released their monumental album ​The Score​ , which inspired notoriously prickly rock critic Robert Christgau to write: ​”so beautiful and funny, its courage could make you weep.” The album, created in Wyclef’s studio in his ​uncle’s basement ​in New Jersey, hit No. 1 on the ​Billboard​ chart, spawned a trio of smash singles (including their indelible reinvention of Roberta Flack’s 1973 ballad “Killing Me Softly”), and is now certified six times platinum. But Wyclef, a child prodigy with a wealth of musical influences from jazz to classic rock to reggae, resisted the pressure to duplicate the sound and style of that masterwork. Instead, he launched himself as a producer and solo artist whose work drew from an innovative and eclectic palette that included elements of ​pop, country, folk, disco, Latin, and electronic music.

“I just keep moving,” he says today. “If I didn’t keep moving after ​The Score​ , y’all wouldn’t have had the biggest pop song of all time.” Wyclef is referring to Shakira’s chart-topping single “Hips Don’t Lie,” which he co-wrote, produced and is featured on. That 2006 blockbuster climbed to No. 1 in 20 countries including the U.S. — a crowning achievement atop a nearly unprecedented run of hits that include Wyclef’s own “Gone Till November,” “Ghetto Superstar” (Pras feat. Wyclef Jean), Carlos Santana’s No. 1 single “Maria, Maria” (featuring Jean and Product G&B) and the late Whitney Houston’s “My Love is Your Love.” “The only record that captures Whitney, her daughter [Bobbi Kristina], and Bobby Brown all on one song,” Wyclef says of it.

Wyclef has been rewarded for his creativity and adventurousness with three Grammy Awards, a spot on the cover ofRolling Stone​ ’s special “Top 50 Hip Hop Players,” and the opportunity to make music with such legends as Michael Jackson, Queen, Mick Jagger, Paul Simon, Earth, Wind & Fire, Kenny Rogers, and Tom Jones. As a solo artist, he has released six albums that have sold nearly nine million copies worldwide, including his 1997 debut ​The Carnivaland 2000’s aptly titled ​The Eclectic: 2 Sides II a Book​ , which even turned wrestling superstar/action hero The Rock into a pop star with the international hit single “It Doesn’t Matter.” Through it all, Wyclef kept an ear cocked for new talent. He helped launch Beyoncé ́ s career with Destiny’s Child’s early hit “No, No, No.”

While it’s been eight years since his last studio album, Wyclef has not abandoned his dedication to sonic excursions. His new album the ​Carnival III: The Fall and Rise of a Refugee​ , features contributions from Emeli Sandé, Supah Mario, The Knocks and Lunch Money Lewis.

When an era-defining superstar takes time between albums for eight years, people often wonder if the artist has perhaps retired, but Wyclef has never stopped making music. “Every day when I wake up, I go into the studio and record,” he says. “There’s always a guitar and a piano nearby. I’m always writing, that’s my survival. I don’t go to a therapist. My therapy is when I pick up my guitar and sing.”

One of the many products of Wyclef’s unfaltering passion for his craft was his collaboration with Carlos Santana, “Dar Um Jeito (We Will Find a Way),” the official anthem of the 2014 World Cup. The track also featured Swedish superstar DJ and producer Avicii and Brazilian singer-songwriter Alexandre Pires. Just a few months after “Dar Um Jeito” was released, Wyclef teamed up with Avicii again to create “Divine Sorrow,” an electro-acoustic ballad that instantly blew up on YouTube when the lyric video was posted, racking up four million views.

In 2016, Wyclef was back yet again another hit, “Hendrix,” the first single off of his EP, ​J’Ouvert​ . “Hendrix” garnered over 20 million streams worldwide, and also received warm reception from numerous music critics, including Edwin Ortiz, news editor of Complex who said: “ ​Wyclef takes this inspiration and turns it into a heat rock of a performance. He also showcases a double-time flow that proves he hasn’t lost a step from a lyrical standpoint.”

Wyclef hasn’t only been making music for the new generation; his work has influenced the new generation, too. One does not have to look much further than the name of the first track on Young Thug’s latest mixtape, ​JEFFERY​ , “Wyclef Jean,” to realize the impact Wyclef has had on hip hop and its next generation of musicians (each song on

JEFFREY​ was named after one of Thugger’s idols). Wyclef and Young Thug also collaborated on the ninth track on the mixtape, “Kanye West.” The creative connection was so strong between Young Thug and Wyclef that the two musicians teamed up again to record the Caribbean-inspired “I Swear,” the third single off of ​J’Ouvert​ .

Each of these unique tracks and moments are significant reminders that Wyclef Jean can still astound and impact people with his music.

One couldn’t blame Wyclef for wanting to take time away from the spotlight given the whirlwind of press, good and bad, he received after announcing that he was going to run for president of Haiti in 2010, the summer after a massive earthquake killed over 200,000 people. “It felt like something I needed to do at the time,” he says. Wyclef flew home to help and saw the devastation firsthand. “Haiti was in dire need and I wasn’t going to go down in history as just another musician who did nothing and just hid behind the songs,” he says. Born in Croix-des-Bouquets before moving to New Jersey at age nine, Wyclef has always kept very close ties to the Haitian people and continues to provide aid and consultation. His love for his native country was reciprocated by many and questioned by others. “I stepped into the fire,” he says. “People took shots at me, of course. But it’s better to be right than popular. And history will always reveal the truth. You can’t live for the fakeness or you will just be erased from time.” However, the fury and the frenzy of the election left him depleted. “When I got back to New York I was out of my mind,” he says. “I had just had a really tense experience. I thought I could change policy and legislation there, but coming back to America — yo, it hit me. I was like, ‘Man, what am I gonna do?’ I was at the height of my musical career. Nobody could stop me. I was moving like a bullet as a producer.”

As big a comeback as “Divine Sorrow,” “Hendrix” and “I Swear” have proven to be, one should not count on ​Fall and Rise of a Refugee​ as being an entire album full of mid-tempo tracks. “Do I have anything for the clubs?” he asks. You’re talking to ​The Carnival​ Man! I’ve done the biggest dance records of all time! I plan to put them on the dancefloor more so than ever. I know people want that dance floor bounce from me — that hip hop thing.”

Which leaves only one question. How long can Wyclef keep it up now that he’s back at his old velocity? “The forties are the new 20’s of hip hop,” he says with a laugh. And while he hints that the Fugees crew are all on good terms, and he doesn’t rule out a future reunion with Lauryn Hill and Pras, right now, Wyclef is trying to reckon with his past and write a new chapter. “The music I’m making, it’s sounding like the ‘90s meets 2017,” he says. “It’s very authentic and all about the vocality, making people feel and reminisce off of that sound they love but combining it with new sonics.”

Tara Joseph formed JAM ARTISTS GROUP with the aim of creating a home for multi talented artists to grow and fulfill their full potentials with a hands on and personal approach to their management.

Originally from London but now living in Los Angeles, Tara started 25 years ago as a talent agent at The William Morris Agency (UK) representing some amazing artists such as Victoria Beckham, Charlie Hunnam and Elle Macpherson to name a few.

In the early 2000’s, Tara moved into music management where she managed Nicole and Natalie Appleton of All Saints. From there, she managed a number of recording artists, before meeting classical superstar, mezzo soprano, Katherine Jenkins, whom she represented for eight years.

Tara is excited to be representing the world renowned producer, Patrick Hamilton, who is signed to Decca Publishing (Universal Music Group) and 1631 Records, classical singing sensation, Emanne Beasha (11yrs), who was a finalist on America’s Got Talent 2019 and is signed to Sony/ATV Publishing. Tara also manages Australian born tenor and musical theatre sensation, Josh Piterman, and The Opera Men who are signed to Decca Records, UK.

In 2018, Tara diversified into television formatting and production and is currently in development with some groundbreaking TV formats with her business partner, Dani Behr, through their production company, Dantar Productions.

Tara also hosts a successful Podcast called For Love And Music which is available on all digital platforms.

Karim Kamar is a neoclassical composer & from London.

He has been performing as a solo pianist since 2013 and has built a reputation as an outstanding and unique composer and performer, having played at almost every major music venue in London including: The Jazz Cafe, The Forge, Ronnie Scotts and The Royal Albert Hall.

As well as running a monthly live music and poetry night, Out Spoken, at the London Southbank Centre, Karim, through his highly engaged social media channels, has found a home for his performances with around 1 million followers collectively on his accounts.

Tre Lowe is an accomplished, award-winning musician, speaker, media personality, and mentor. He is the founder of Architechs, a chart-topping band that has garnered over 100 million streams worldwide.

Tre’s journey is marked by resilience and success despite significant challenges, including overcoming double paralysis at age 15 and living with ongoing health issues like tinnitus and derealisation.

Tre gained widespread recognition as a popular contestant on the BBC show, The Apprentice, where he demonstrated leadership and entrepreneurial prowess, finishing in the coveted top 5 placement. Lord Sugar, a highly respected entrepreneur and host of The Apprentice, also praised Tre.

As one-half of the acclaimed band Architechs, Tre’s music has resonated with millions, featured prominently in national advertising campaigns, and achieved remarkable streaming success. Architechs have remixed Usher, Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Beenie Man, Brandy & Monica, and numerous others.

In addition to his music career, Tre is a passionate advocate for mental health and wellness and has made impactful media appearances, reaching millions through platforms like BBC, ITV, ITN News, Daily Mail, The Sun, GB News, and numerous international media outlets.

Tre’s experiences and achievements across music, television, and entrepreneurship underscore his commitment to resilience, creativity, and making a positive impact in the world.

The Extraordinary Pianist

The incredibly talented Lucy stole the nation’s hearts when she won Channel 4’s The Piano at just 13 years old, having performed on a keyboard at Leeds Train Station.

Lucy stopped people in their tracks and left bystanders in tears as she played her beautiful rendition of Chopin‘s Nocturne in B-flat Minor.

Lucy is completely blind and has a chromosome 16 duplication, which is a rare condition affecting mental health with autism traits and affecting overall communication. Lucy is hypermobile and suffers with CVS. She is in remission from bi-lateral retina-blastoma and is globally developmentally delayed.

However, Lucy has an extraordinary talent and it is by using this natural talent, Lucy is able to communicate.

World-renowned, pianist, Lang Lang and pop sensation, Mika crowned 13-year-old Lucy, the ‘unofficial’ winner of the competition with her stunning performance of Debussy’s Arabesque No1, which she performed in front of 2000 people at the Royal Festival Hall.

“….this is incredible…she (Lucy) is a genius” said Lang Lang

The young Pianist has since been invited to perform at HRH King‘s Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle, where she played a note perfect performance of Bach Prelude in C in front of 18 million people.

Furthermore world iconic venue the Royal Albert Hall welcomed Lucy to the stage, as she played Debussy Arabesque No.1 and Bach Prelude in C to a full house at Classic FM Live in October 2023 and in less than 3 weeks her performance had travelled worldwide with over 8.4m views.

This fairytale all began with a children’s book with a piano on it, where at the age of 5yrs Lucy started playing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. The family, then upgraded her keyboard and realised she was composing music in her head while sitting on the sofa. Lucy was able to play back music after listening to it just once.

Lucy has touched the nation with her journey so far and has inspired families across the UK with her love of the piano and her ability to communicate through the power of music and has just started recording her very own album of therapy which will be released next year.

Additional information:
Website: www.lucythepianist.com
Instagram: @lucypianoHQ

Lucy is managed by Kathryn Nash
Nash Artist Management Ltd
+44 (0)7747 637753
kathryn.nash@nashartistmanagement.com

“Love at first listen”is how Miloš describes the moment when, as a child in Montenegro, he first picked up the old guitar that was lying around his childhood home gathering dust.

Fast forward a few years, Miloš signed his first record deal with the classical label Deutsche Grammophon and achieved major chart successes around the globe, turning him into “classical music’s guitar hero” (BBC Music Magazine) overnight. His 2014 recording of Rodrigo’s concertos had the Sunday Times calling him“The King of Aranjuez”, while “Blackbird–The Beatles Album” (2016) was received with unanimous acclaim. In front of 6000 people at the BBC Proms in 2018, Miloš performed the world premiere of Joby Talbot’s guitar concerto, ‘Ink Dark Moon’ written especially for him, with the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Committed to commissioning new repertoire for the guitar, Miloš joined the NAC Ottawa in May 2019 to perform the world premiere of ‘The Forest’ by Howard Shore. In September 2019, he will release his fifth album, ‘Sound of Silence’: a musical treasure trove that includes brand new arrangements of classical repertoire, affectionate nods to the pop world, and collaborations with friends.

Elena Charbila has an established track record as a composer, producer and recording artist under her moniker “Kid Moxie.”

Elena’s music has been featured in multiple TV commercials including a national Victoria’s Secret ad campaign, several TV shows and numerous indie films. Award winning label Lakeshore Records just released her most recent soundtrack composition— for the upcoming dystopic feature “Unpleasant” (in which she also acts). The soundtrack encompasses a wide range of moods—from driving synth-based tracks to quieter minimal moments as well rich orchestration–that provides a multi-hued backdrop to the dark drama.

Apple Music picked the soundtrack as one of their top 10 soundtrack recommendations alongside award winning soundtracks such as The Joker and Little Women amongst others. She also wrote and performed 3 original tracks for the video game sensation Cyberpunk 2077 starring Keanu Reeves. The soundtrack is also out via Lakeshore Records and has been topping the iTunes soundtrack charts for weeks at #1.

Elena is currently working on the music score for the upcoming feature film of Greek director Vasilis Kekatos who won two Palm D’ Or awards at Cannes Festival 2019. Together, they had also joined forces for Greek VOGUE’s video campaign for Gucci Resort 2020 starring supermodel Winnie Harlow, while they most recently collaborated on the new KORRES perfume line where Elena scored all 5 mini movies that were produced for the cosmetics brand.

Kid Moxie completed her third album of original music, scheduled to come out in spring of 2020. The album title is “Better Than Electric” and it’s another ode to the cinematic pop genre she adores. Her last music video “Big In Japan” premiered on Under The Radar who said the track has a “dreamy, palpable neo-noir vibe” and her most recent album Perfect Shadow premiered as an album stream on Nylon who found it “refreshing to be treated to an album as conceptually whole from the sweeping, dreamlike intro to the eerily whistled finale.”

She also collaborated with renowned “Twin Peaks” composer Angelo Badalementi who said “she’s a great talent that brings her own voice and artistry which I appreciate very much.” Together they recorded a new version of “Mysteries of Love,” which premiered in Vogue. The short film that accompanied the song was produced by the David Lynch Foundation and premiered by Noisey, while David Lynch presented the project himself at his soiree “The Music Of David Lynch” at the Ace Hotel theatre in downtown L.A. Entertainment Weekly has called her a “cinematic popstar” while Stereogum and other top venues have featured most of her tracks. Entertainment Weekly characterised her critically acclaimed album 1888 as “John Carpenter-esque synthesizers as the foundation for icy pop songs with a hint of new wave,” while Vice described her sound as “eerie, celestial, odd and exquisite.”

Niu Niu is the stage name of Zhang Shengliang, who was born into a musical family in Xiamen in 1997. With signs of exceptional talent shown at the age of three, Niu Niu initially studied piano with his father and made his recital debut at six years old with a Mozart Sonata and a Chopin Étude.

Niu Niu was the youngest student ever enrolled in the affiliated primary school of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music at the age of eight, and studied with Prof. Keng Zhou, Prof. Beihua Tang and Prof. William Chen. Since age 10, Niu Niu has studied with Prof. Hung-Kuan Chen. In 2014, he was admitted to New York’s Juilliard School with a full scholarship and has graduated in 2018.

Niu Niu signed to EMI Classics at the age of nine, making him the youngest pianist ever signed to an international classical label. Since then, he has released nine albums. Lifetime, his latest album released by Decca Classics in 2023, includes his own composition “Miss”.

Niu Niu’s career highlights include the 2007 Pearl Awards at London’s Royal Festival Hall, where he performed Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No.1 under his mentor Leslie Howard in the presence of the future King Charles III, then the Prince of Wales. In 2009, he became the youngest pianist to give a solo recital at Tokyo’s Suntory Hall and the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing. In October 2010, Niu Niu was named the youngest laureate of the 2010 PRIX Montblanc in Berlin. In 2012, as the first laureate of the Artemisia Foundation, he made his debuts in Boston’s Jordan Hall and Yale University’s Sprague Hall. In 2017, he was invited to perform for the presidents of China, Russia, India, Brazil and South Africa at the BRICS summit evening gala. 

In August 2016, he completed a tour in 16 cities within 25 days throughout China. So far, he had done hundreds of performances all over the world. In 2018-19, Niu Niu dubbed the piano performance of the character Wei Pang in NHK’s animated version of Piano no Mori (Forest of Piano). Broadcast by Netflix worldwide, the animation has boosted an appreciation in classical music and drawn more young audience to Niu Niu’s music. 

As part of the campaign in support of his latest album Lifetime, Niu Niu finished a nationwide tour across 7 cities of Japan in October 2023, followed by 2023/24 season’s world concert tour in China, Japan, America and Europe.

As The Phantom of the Opera heads in to its 34th year in the West End, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh are delighted to announce that Australian singer and performer Josh Piterman will play The Phantom from September 9th 2019.

This is a headline that award winning performer Josh Piterman had worked hard to achieve.

Growing up with a love of sport he played AFL and Tennis but instead his passion for entertaining and singing took him to The University of Ballarat Arts Academy where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Music Theatre) in 2006. His musical theatre credits include playing Bustopher Jones in the 2016 season of Cats, a role that won him the Green Room Award for Best Supporting Actor in A Musical; Edward in Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers; Corny Collins in the UK tour of Hairspray; Ramon Gutierrez in An Officer And A Gentleman; Michael in Grease 2 and The Caliph in Kismet for The Production Company. Josh played both “Giuseppe” in The Light in the Piazza at The Arts Centre and Jamie” in The Last Five Years for The Victorian Theatre Company in 2016

Josh commenced his career performing with the International group, The Ten Tenors and then made his mark as Tony in the 2010 tour of West Side Story. An early career highlight was when he understudied/played George in The Drowsy Chaperone for Melbourne Theatre Company alongside Geoffrey Rush.

In 2017/2018 Josh played the lead role of Gerry Goffin in the national tour of Beautiful – The Carole King Musical. He released his debut album Josh Piterman, a collaboration with John Foreman of contemporary pop songs with a classical twist on Fanfare Records. The release opened at No1 in the Classical Contemporary section of both the ITunes and the ARIA charts.

Josh kicked off 2019 by appearing in the Australia Day Live Concert at The Sydney Opera House performing Nessun Dorma to great acclaim.

Composer, singer, actor, author, and activist – Sting was born in Newcastle, England before moving to London in 1977 to form The Police with Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers.

The band released five studio albums, earned six Grammy Awards and two Brits, and was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003.

Since 1989, Sting has released fourteen solo albums and received an additional 10 Grammy Awards, two Brits, a Golden Globe, an Emmy, three Oscar nominations, Billboard Magazine’s Century Award, and MusiCares 2004 Person of the Year. Also a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, he received the Kennedy Center Honors in December. Throughout his enduring career, he has sold close to 100 million albums from his combined work with The Police and as a solo artist.

The Last Ship, his latest release, is inspired by his memories of the shipbuilding community of Wallsend in the North East of England where he was born and raised. A play of the same name, with music and lyrics by Sting, debuted on Broadway in October and was heralded by the Associated Press as “thrilling with powerful performances, outstanding songs, and real heart.”

Sting has appeared in more than 15 films and authored two books, including The New York Times best-selling memoir, Broken Music. His support for human rights organizations mirrors his art in its universal outreach. Along with wife Trudie Styler, he founded the Rainforest Fund in 1989 to protect both the world’s rainforests and the indigenous people living there.

Since 2015, Trans Chorus of Los Angeles-TCLA has made an impact in the choral world by using our unique voices to be visible, bold and proud.

TCLA is the premiere all Trans-identified chorus in America. We are a Chorus of transgender, gender non-conforming, gender non-binary, gender fluid, and intersex individuals. We celebrate diversity and acceptance in appearance and vocal presentation so that others can see and feel the joy we share. Through our music we bring to everyone, awareness, understanding, power and victory for the Trans community.

Our vision is, through song and our voices, to embrace all members of the trans community and to bring awareness of the trans experience by developing understanding, caring and support in the community at large. We celebrate diversity and acceptance in appearance and vocal presentation so that others can see and feel the joy we share in our music.

“Music helps us share ourselves, our dignities and sorrows, our hopes and joys. It allows us to hear one another, to invite each other in. Music shows us that all of it matters, every story within every voice, every note within every song”

– Michelle Obama at the 2019 Grammy Awards

“On Transgender Day of Remembrance, we honor their lives — and recommit to the work that remains to ensure that every transgender and gender-nonconforming person in America has the opportunity to live authentically, earn a living wage, and be treated with dignity and respect in their communities and workplaces.

Transgender rights are human rights. To transgender and gender-nonconforming people across America and around the world: from the moment I am sworn in as president of the United States, know that my administration will see you, listen to you, and fight for not only your safety but also the dignity and justice you have been denied.”

– Joe Biden, President Elect, November 2020 Transgender day of Rememberance

Widely regarded as one of the most brilliant songwriters of her generation (Biography Magazine), Suzanne Vega emerged as a leading figure of the folk-music revival of the early 1980s when, accompanying herself on acoustic guitar she sang what has been labeled contemporary folk or neo-folk songs of her own creation in Greenwich Village Clubs.

Since Suzanne’s critically acclaimed debut 25 years ago she has sold over 7 million albums and has been nominated for 7 Grammy awards. Her song “Luka” about child abuse was a surprise hit and won MTV’s Best Female Video. Suzanne was the first artist on the main stage at the very first Lilith Fair. Her voice and song ‘Tom’s Diner” was used in the refinement of the MP3, earning her the nickname “The Mother of the MP3”. Suzanne recorded “Tom’s Diner” a cappella but it has since been remixed upwards of 25 times (including most famously by DNA, but also Will Smith, REM, Tupac, Jars of Clay, Destiny’s Child, Lil Kim, and Ludacris).

Suzanne tours constantly and continues to play sold-out concerts in many of the world’s best-known concert halls.

Claudia Winkleman is one of the best known broadcasters in the UK, she is most recognised for co-hosting Strictly Come Dancing (BBC1) alongside Tess Daly and in 2020 took over Saturday mornings on Radio 2.

Last year Claudia became a Sunday Times best-selling author following the publication of her debut book, Quite.

In 2022 she hosted Channel 4 quiz show One Question as well as The Traitors for BBC1. Claudia is a trustee of Comic Relief and has fronted live television shows for both Red Nose Day and Sport Relief, along with spin-off shows including Let’s Dance for Comic Relief/ Sport Relief and the Comic Relief Danceathon.

Awards: RTS Award for Best Presenter in 2015, the WFTV award for Best Presenter in 2019 and has been BAFTA-nominated.

Claudia graduated from Cambridge University with an MA Honours in History of Art. She lives in London

EMMY award-winner and three-time BAFTA nominated composer Inon Zur is internationally renowned for his emotionally dynamic original music scores for film, television and video game franchises including Fallout, Dragon Age, Prince of Persia, The Lord of The Rings, Syberia, The Elder Scrolls, and the highly anticipated Starfield.

Zur’s iconic themes and avant garde scores for the Fallout series have been described as “Sophisticated and atmospheric” (Classic FM) and received two BAFTA nominations. His top-selling soundtrack for Fallout 4 was celebrated as one of the best original video game scores by BAFTA, The Game Awards, and Classic FM. Zur’s original score for Fallout 76 was also released to universal praise, described by critics as “Superbly atmospheric music,” “Hauntingly beautiful” and “An amazing ambient soundtrack,” with Game Informer (the world’s #1 video games magazine) hailing his latest score as “The best soundtrack for the series yet.” Classically trained with a flair for powerful, melodic orchestral writing, Inon conducts and records with the world’s most prestigious orchestras and his music is performed in symphonic concerts worldwide.

He has produced and collaborated with artists including Florence + The Machine (Dragon Age 2) and his debut major label album release with Sony Masterworks, Into The Storm, was selected among Classical KUSC’s best albums of the year. Most recently Inon composed the ethno-classical score for Benoît Sokal’s Sybaria: The World Before released on DECCA Records, and premiered his ‘Starfield Suite’ with the London Symphony Orchestra. Inon is currently scoring Starfield – the first new universe in over 25 years from Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of The Elder Scrolls and Fallout series. Set hundreds of years in our future, Starfield is an epic about hope, our shared humanity, and answering our greatest mystery. Starfield will be released in 2023.