Helena began her professional training after a visit to Bari in Southern Italy, where she was invited to join the Bari choir for a BBC broadcast, in which her Italian hosts were participating. Following work experience with Opera North, and two years post-graduate studies at Conservatoire, Helena trained with renowned contralto and teacher Jean Allister. She now works with voice coach Mary Seaford in Lancashire and specialises in the performance of classical song recitals: “I would like to revive an interest in the wealth of classical song compositions from around the world and bring new audiences to classical music with imaginative programmes.”

She has given solo recitals at many venues from the Spanish Embassy’s Instituto Cervantes in Manchester to the Adrian Boult Hall in Birmingham, and has also been invited to perform at the Maison Debussy in Paris and for the Italian Consulate in Manchester. Having formally trained as a linguist, her ability to speak six foreign languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Greek and Russian, gives her a unique insight and approach to her performances.

Helena has studied with Stephen Varcoe, Margaret Cable and Tim Barrett. She has also worked with Peter Gellhorn, Marjorie Thomas and Anthony Hocking. She won the inaugural Margaret Lane Recital prize and was runner up for the Mario Lanza Award 1997. She was a Jubilee Fellow for Soroptimist International. .

In 2002 she prepared a specialist composer portrait of the relatively unknown classical songs of Italian composer Ottorino Respighi. Her research and love of his music was rewarded with honorary membership of the Respighi Society. Her recent visits to Southern Italy were made most memorable by a visit to Sir William Walton’s garden on Ischia and meeting Lady Susana Walton.

Helena has a B.A. (Hons) degree and 7307 (Stage 1) adult teaching certificate. She gives workshops on vocal technique and music appreciation for beginners: ‘Breaking the sound barrier’ and works as a consultant with singers of all styles and ages, who wish to develop and improve their breathing and vocal techniques. She has lived, worked and travelled extensively in various European countries, developing her language skills and researching the cultural aspects and songs performed in her recitals. Helena prepares her own translations, in addition to extensive programme notes and research notes for each recital.

She was born in Oldham, Lancashire and continues to live in the North West of England.

Her exploration of song repertoire gave her the idea to combine her recitals with other art forms to present, in addition to her recital performances for festivals, multi media performances. Her mother Brenda is a professional travel photographer and lecturer and they have combined their professional talents to create unique 'themed' arts presentations. Their innovative combination of classical song recitals with illustrated lectures on cultural aspects and photographic exhibitions has prompted their nomination for a Royal Philharmonic Society Award for bringing new audiences to classical music.

These are the current 'Themed' Performances

Spain: Heart of Fire©

From the mountains to the sea, Spain has a special fascination for travellers and tourists. Few experience the classical music of this passionate culture. Combining laments, lullabies and serenades by composers such as De Falla. Guridi.and Montsalvatge, little known outside Spain, with slide show talks about The Alhambra Palace and the white villages of Andalusia, we explore the legacy of the Moors and the rich musical heritage of Spain.

Italia Classica

Italy has a timeless beauty, which delights the tourist and invites us to linger in the warm Mediterranean afternoons. We explore the Naples—Sorrento—Amalfi region of Southern Italy, the legacy of 79AD and the immortal beauties of the Land of the Sirene. The delights of the South are complemented by the music of the North with a composer portrait recital of the classical songs of Ottorino Respighi.

La Belle France

Romantic, impressionist and modern classical French Songs by composers including Debussy, Ravel, Milhaud and Satie, take you from the Grand Boulevards of the Belle Époque and afternoon promenades along the river Seine, to the smoky cabarets and the bohemian cafés of the artists of Montmartre. The Impressionist painter Claude Monet and his world famous garden at Giverny, near Paris is the subject of one of the talks. The other features the magnificent Palace of Versailles and the glorious reign of the “Sun King” Louis XIV.

Kean on Shakespeare©

William Shakespeare was a man for all seasons and his works have held us fascinated for centuries. The theories and legends of Shakespeare’s ‘wilderness years’ before he came to man’s estate are many. Perhaps he spent them in wildest Lancashire. A new illustrated talk explores this theory with a photographic exhibition of the heritage sites and countryside he might have known. His words have been inspirational to generations of composers. Our recital of 20th Century classical English songs by composers such as Dring,Vaughan Williams, Rawsthorne and Quilter, with a selection of Lancashire composers and the world premieres of two specially commissioned pieces, represents the most evocative settings of Shakespeare’s texts.

Austria: Music & Majesty

A personal journey to Austria and Germany. Combining a recital of favourite Lieder by German and Austrian composers, including Schumann, Brahms, Schubert, Mahler, Strauss and Wolf with a new photographic exhibition and slide lectures from our 2003 visit to Vienna City of Majesty and Salzburg: City of Music.

A Garland for Christmas

A festive celebration of classical English Song, Poetry and Literature, reflecting the inspiration that Christmas has brought to British poets and composers. Our dark winter is brightened by this uplifting entertainment that avoids the tinsel and commercial glitter. An enjoyable alternative to traditional carol concerts.