MEET THE TEAM

CHOIR OF THE EARTH MUSICAL DIRECTOR | EARTH CHOIR ACADEMY PRINCIPAL

Ben England BEM is a graduate of the University of Bristol with over 30 years of experience in teaching, conducting, and performing. A globally sought-after musical director and experienced singer, he has led choirs and orchestras in the UK and internationally.

His pioneering work in digital music-making has earned him the British Empire Medal, the University of Bristol Alumni Award for Community Engagement and Impact, and the Finnish Kanteleliitto Kantele of the Year award. Ben has also been nominated for the Royal Philharmonic Society Inspiration Award, the Music and Drama Education Inspiration Award, and the Classic FM Music Teacher of the Year award twice.

Ben’s expertise in both music education and conducting continues to inspire musicians of all levels through innovative teaching online and in person.

🗗 Visit Ben’s website

CHOIR OF THE EARTH GENERAL MANAGER | CHORAL LIBRARY DIRECTOR

Nikki Chilton brings twenty years of public service experience, including senior roles in policy, strategy and communications. She is particularly interested in how policy and design can make organisations more inclusive and responsive to people’s needs.

As General Manager of Choir of the Earth, Nikki oversees communications, management and promotion, and works closely with the Musical Director to implement and run the choral programme.

She is also a co-founder and director of Earth Choir Academy, where she leads on policy development and contributes to governance, communications, operations and strategic planning. In addition, she now manages the Choir of the Earth Library, guiding its development as a digital resource for singers worldwide.

A strong advocate of online learning, Nikki has experienced its benefits first-hand. She is passionate about the role it can play in opening up opportunities - both musical and educational - for people who might otherwise be excluded. She believes everyone should have the chance to enjoy the challenge, connection and joy that singing can bring.

CHOIR OF THE EARTH CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Marc Siese has a passion for digital innovation and a strong background in branding, web development, video editing and graphic design

He specialises in creating visually-appealing and functional digital experiences for Choir of the Earth and Choir of the Earth Events, and also led the development of the Choir of the Earth Library, where his skills in crafting user-friendly websites are coming into use.

Marc combines creativity with technical know-how, and always striving to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the choral digital landscape.

Outside work, Marc has many hobbies including tennis, chess and playing the bagpipes.

CHOIR OF THE EARTH EVENTS MANAGER | EARTH CHOIR ACADEMY FINANCE DIRECTOR

Ana-Marie England trained at the Junior Guildhall School of Music and Drama, later studying at the University of Bristol, where she performed as a piano soloist and conducted and sang in choirs and musicals.

Based in the South West of England, Ana performs regularly with ensembles such as the Brunel Sinfonia and North Somerset Philharmonia, with past works including Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy, The Carnival of the Animals, and Rhapsody in Blue. As an accompanist, she has worked with numerous choirs, most recently arranging and recording a unique two-piano and percussion accompaniment for Choir of the Earth’s Carmina Burana project in 2023.

Ana has continued singing with ensembles including Exultate, Clifton Cathedral Choir, and Bristol Opera. She creates vocal guide tracks for online choirs, teaches piano and recorder, and has taught for the Preludes music project. A former GP, she is now pursuing accountancy qualifications while managing the finances of Homechoir and Earth Choir Academy.