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 | EARTH CHOIR ACADEMY STRATEGIC DIRECTOR

Nikki Chilton is the General Manager of Choir of the Earth and Strategic Director of Earth Choir Academy. Through twenty years’ of public service experience - primarily in policy development, communications and programme management - Nikki has gained a deep appreciation for the diversity of the human experience, and is committed to finding solutions that make a positive difference to people’s lives.

In her current roles, Nikki brings her operational and strategic expertise to support the Choir’s superb programme and vibrant activities, and to develop an innovative strategy to secure the Academy’s growth.

Passionate about lifelong learning - and in particular online learning - she also believes wholeheartedly in the transformative power of music. Having dearly missed choral singing after life’s distractions led her away from it after school, she was thrilled to discover a choir that worked for her: Choir of the Earth! She is now dedicated to helping others experience the joys and challenges that music brings.

CHOIR OF THE EARTH CREATIVE DIRECTOR | HEAD OF LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT

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. He is currently leading on 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.