Victoria Ely
A versatile conductor with a fresh approach to music-making, Victoria is in demand across the UK and increasingly in Europe. Having held many positions as Musical Director for choruses such as Milton Keynes Chorale and Cumbria Rural Choirs, she also frequently appears as guest conductor for many other choirs. Recognised for her ability to enthuse and engage singers of all abilities, Victoria is regularly invited as a workshop leader for festivals, including Worcester International Festival for Young Singers, European Choral Association – Europa Cantat and Cranleigh Choral Week. A keen interest in conductor training and leadership philosophy, Victoria is also Conductor & Producer for Voces Academy.
Victoria began her career in her native Australia where she obtained Bachelor’s degrees in Music and Business before relocating to the UK to undertake a MMus Choral Conducting at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD), from which she graduated with Distinction. Whilst at RWCMD Victoria studied under Neil Ferris, Simon Halsey and Sarah Tenant-Flowers, and has also received tuition from a number respected conductors including Rodney Eichenberger (USA), Fred Sjöberg (Sweden), Jo-Michael Sheibe (USA), Peter Hanke (Denmark) and Karen Grylls (NZ).
Previous positions have included Chorus Master for Mid-Wales Opera, Assistant Chorus Master for RWCMD chorus, Choral Director with Melbourne University and Southern Voices. As an ensemble singer Victoria has extensive performance experience, including working with the North German Radio Symphony Orchestra (NDR), City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus, St Endellion Festivals, and numerous recordings for disc and film.
In 2014 Victoria was awarded the Noël Minet Fund Scholarship from the European Choral Association and in 2015 her achievements were recognised by the Arts Foundation, an organisation dedicated to supporting future leaders in the Arts.