As the first half term comes to a close, we’re delighted to introduce some of the new Choral Directors who joined the National Schools Singing Programme this September. Since starting, they have been working with children in schools across the country, helping them discover their voices and the joy of singing. Together, they visit more than 50 schools across the country and see around 3,000 children each week.

Anna Callacher, Archdiocese of Liverpool
A former Head Chorister at the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, Anna returned to Liverpool this autumn after working in Bangkok and Oxford. She holds a First-Class degree in History and Music from the University of Liverpool and sang as a Graduate Choral Scholar at The Queen’s College, Oxford. Anna is committed to widening access to music education across the Archdiocese, and alongside her new role she is also studying for a PGCert in Music Education at the Royal Northern College of Music, with support through the NSSP from the Vinehill Trust.

Jess Atkinson, Archdiocese of Liverpool
A mezzo-soprano and primary music educator, Jess has worked on the Archdiocese’s Schools Singing Programme since 2024 and joined the team full time this September. She graduated with First-Class Honours in Music from the University of Liverpool earlier this year, is a Lay Clerk at the Metropolitan Cathedral, and has recently become Director of the Hope Metropolitan Singers.

Emma Wynne-Jones, Diocese of Arundel and Brighton
Emma trained at the Royal College of Music as a child and has worked as a performer, arranger, teacher and choral director. A qualified teacher, Emma is passionate about creating the conditions in which children can participate, learn and flourish through music-making. Music was Emma’s first doorway into the life of the Church, and through the Schools Singing Programme, she hopes to create opportunities for children to encounter God as they discover and develop their voices.

Oliver Heath, Diocese of Leeds
A conductor, composer and singer from Northern Ireland, Oliver has previously been Choral Director for the Dioceses of Salford and Manchester and at St Martin-in-the-Fields. As a singer, he performs with Chamber Choir Ireland, Sestina and the BBC Daily Service Singers, and spent the 2025/26 season on The Sixteen’s Genesis Sixteen programme.

Saoirse Daly, Diocese of Leeds
Originally from Cork, Saoirse graduated from the Cork School of Music, specialising in vocal performance and conducting. She was a Lay Vicar Choral at St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, sang with the Irish Youth Choir, and has directed several choirs, including the 2025 Workplace Choir of the Year winners. She recently completed an MA in Solo Voice and Ensemble Singing at the University of York as the recipient of the Dame Janet Baker Scholarship.

Caroline Smith, York Minster
Caroline has delivered the York Minster Schools Singing Programme since the start of September, visiting schools across the York Diocese. As part of her role, she leads the Cross Keys Choir, a free community choir for children aged 7–11, which has a busy half term ahead, including the opening of the York Minster Christmas Tree Festival, Christingle services and Mash-Up services in the Minster. A soloist for nearly 30 years, Caroline believes every child should be able to explore music in a way that feels comfortable to them.

Molly Wildsmith, Liverpool Cathedral
As a Schools Singing Leader, Molly works with schools and young singers across Liverpool. A graduate of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire with an MA in Musical Theatre from Mountview, she combines classical and theatre experience with a passion for helping young people grow in confidence through performing.