Meet the Team

 

Music Director and Treasurer

John-Anthony Graham

Born and raised in Helensburgh, John is a freelance opera singer with a lifelong passion for choral music. He began singing at a young age with local children's choirs and has since performed with the Oratorio, Dorian and Peninsula choirs in his hometown.

His career has taken him to some of the UK's most prestigious concert venues, including the Usher Hall, the Grand Opera House Belfast and the Royal Albert Hall, as well as to performances further afield. Along the way, he has supported choirs across Scotland and worked as a vocal coach at choral music workshops, sharing his experience and enthusiasm with singers of all ages and abilities.

Away from the concert platform, John works as a Senior IT Services Manager, leading complex technology projects. He is delighted to welcome visitors to Helensburgh and the surrounding area, where spectacular scenery and a thriving musical tradition come together. He hopes festival participants will enjoy not only the area's natural beauty but also the unique joy, friendship and sense of belonging that comes from singing together in a choir.

 

Participation & Engagement Director

Rachel Thomas

Moving from Glasgow to Kilcreggan 3 years ago Rachel discovered a community filled with music and abundant choral opportunities. She joined the Peninsula choir, Soulwind Harmony group, Helensburgh Oratorio and has not looked back. The idea of hosting a local choral festival started as a long running joke between friends whilst singing  at an Italian choral festival in 2025. Meeting other likeminded enthusiasts and connecting with local musical legends has helped transform this dream into reality!
 

Secretary

Catriona MacLennan

Catriona has had a varied life and career, but music and singing have been a constant throughout. As a child she sang with the National Youth Choir of Scotland and in the MÒds (she was, unfortunately, always beaten to a prize by her classmate!), and trained in classical singing. Since then she has trained under the jazz singer Freddie King and has sung at various gigs. Nowadays, when not in the Classics building at the University of Glasgow or in her garden, she can be found singing with the Helensburgh Parish Church Choir, the Glasgow School of Art Choir, and the Helensburgh Friendship Choir, as well as in occasional ad-hoc ensembles. She ended up involved in the festival somewhat by accident, but couldn’t be happier or prouder to be here.
 

Chair

Carol Rodgers 

By day, Carol looks after strategy and operations for the legal department of a global software company; By night, she sings in multiple choirs in and around the Helensburgh area.  A member of the Glasgow School of Arts choir, Carol also sings with the Helensburgh Parish Church choir, the Helensburgh Friendship Singers and, when time allows, the Oratorio choir and others. A recent arrival in Helensburgh, Carol was drawn to the town by its rich musical offerings, and is passionate about supporting and growing this thriving musical community.