Meet the alumni soloists bringing Mozart to York Minster on 8 June
Five alumni solo singers are returning to York on the 8 June to join a very special rendition of Mozart’s ‘Great’ Mass in C minor at the historic York Minster. In advance of the night, we explore how York shaped their careers since graduating and what to expect from their performance!
Helen Neeves
Meet alumna Helen, a remarkable soprano and composer whose career has taken her all over the world and paved her way to becoming a member of the BBC Singers.
Helen's musical adventure took a pivotal turn during her time at York, where she transitioned from being a pianist to focusing on her passion for singing. Immersing herself in the musical community both on campus and in York, Helen honed her skills as a music maker and singer.
After remaining in York for a few years post graduation, she moved to London to further her training at the Royal College of Music, and once there, a wider career beckoned which has taken her around the globe.
During the Covid pandemic, Helen got back into composing, a passion she had explored during her undergraduate years. Helen is also a big Jane Austen fan and enjoys being part of the Austen Trio, a group that performs music loved by Jane Austen and her family!
James Beddoe
Following his York degree in History, James took the Artist Masters graduate at Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Since then he’s appeared in operas across the UK and in various concerts from Haydn to Handel.
Outside of studying History, James recalls spending most of his time at York in the Music department. He seized every musical opportunity that came his way - performing with Opera Society, touring China and Hong Kong with The 24, taking a vocal ensemble performance module coached by Robert Hollingworth, and singing in every choir.
“My time at York undoubtedly set me up for my career as a tenor. This year I have had roles in the premieres of two operas … I also regularly perform as an oratorio soloist; I can’t think of many works in this field that I didn’t encounter first at York.”
“I can’t wait to return to sing with the University Choir and Symphony Orchestra – both of which I was once a member of – and to sing alongside former students from my time.”
Helena Cooke
After graduating with a first class degree in Music, Helena has embarked on a career that’s allowed her to perform in various exciting venues and work as an award winning photographer too!
Helena graduated from York in 2015, with a first class honours degree in Music. Like James she also toured China and Hong Kong with The 24, as well as performing with the University of York Chamber Orchestra.
After graduating she worked as a Lay Clerk with the Choir of Clare College Cambridge, recording and touring extensively. Since then, Helena has enjoyed a busy freelance career in London, working with groups including BBC Singers and Britten Sinfonia Voices, as well as being a regular alto in the choir of Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula, Tower of London. Equally comfortable as a soloist, she performs with choral societies up and down the country.
Helena is also a member of the Levedy Ensemble, an all-female voice and harp quintet, debuting concerts in Switzerland, where they performed twice inside a prison. Alongside singing, she shoots for various musicians and groups as an award-winning photographer!
Elspeth Piggott
Elspeth’s time at York from 2011 - 2014 ignited her passion for early music and singing. Now she regularly performs in both music and drama with some of the UK’s top organisations.
Elspeth cites her time at York as the key to her love for early music. After graduating she decided to combine this passion with her love of drama too, entering into the world of immersive theatre where she understudied for I Fagiolini’s Betrayal. Since then, she has combined music and drama in her work, performing in The Fairy Queen, Dido and Aeneus, as well as performing in the UK’s top organisations as a baroque singer and with various ensembles.
Patrick Osborne
A dynamic baritone, is currently honing his craft with a Postgraduate Diploma at the Royal Northern College of Music. With a rich background as a choral scholar and operatic talent, he makes each performance unforgettable.
Patrick’s musical journey began with Solo Voice Ensemble Singing at York and a Music degree at the University of Bristol. Now he’s based at the Royal Northern College of Music and studying for a Postgraduate Diploma.
His operatic talent has shone in performances of ‘Die Fledermaus and "Madama Butterfly" under legendary Sir Mark Elder with the Hallé. His talent earned him a spot as a Young Artist at the Buxton International Festival, and this summer, he’s set to grace the chorus at Opera Holland Park.
Watch the soloists perform with University of York Choir and Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, 8 June at 7.30pm, York Minster.