Derby Cathedral has announced the appointment of Rhiannon Robinson as its Choral Director for Schools. Rhiannon will join the Cathedral in September to deliver its Music in Schools programme, working in schools across Derby and Derbyshire. The programme is part of the National Schools Singing Programme.

Upon her appointment, Rhiannon said:

‘I am really looking forward to this exciting new challenge in bringing high-quality music-making to the Diocese of Derby. After living and working in Manchester for the past 13 years, I am thrilled to be moving to the area and working with children from across Derby and Derbyshire. I have had the privilege of seeing the fantastic music being nurtured at the Cathedral, and I am excited to be joining such a talented team at this new stage of musical development.’

Rhiannon is a mezzo-soprano and vocal animateur living in Staffordshire. She began singing in the Huddersfield Choral Society aged 6, before joining the Kent Youth Choir and Chamber Choir upon moving to Ramsgate. As a soloist, she has performed with the Hallé Orchestra, conducted by Sir Mark Elder, and with the National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company as part of its 25th-anniversary celebrations.

As an educator, Rhiannon has worked with Opera North, Z-arts, Venture Arts, Manchester Actors Company, SoundUp Arts and Footlights Theatre School as a workshop leader and vocal coach. Most recently, her work with Grange Park Opera’s outreach scheme, Primary Robins, has brought singing to many underprivileged schools across Greater Manchester, aiming to install self-confidence and a love of performing.