Our People
Trustee
Poppy Kemp
Despite working in the legal sector, music has always played a crucial role in my life.
I was fortunate to have both piano and singing lessons as a child, growing up in a blended family of four professional classical musicians. I built on this foundation as I grew older, becoming the Peter and Therese Helson Choral Scholar at Cambridge, singing in the professional ‘St James in the City’ choir in Los Angeles, and joining a London choral society.
I have often been struck by the lack of inclusivity in the choral world: despite living in hugely diverse places, I rarely found this reflected in the make-up of choirs I sang in, the music we sang or the people we performed to. I became a trustee at Vox Urbane to combine my legal background and passion for music to transform this narrative.
Finance and Operations Advisor
Bridget Kennedy
I am a chartered accountant and worked in the financial sector in London throughout my career, including 35 years at a major global bank.
Music played a big part in my childhood - I played piano, violin and sang in the school choir. My love of singing was reignited when I joined my workplace choir, and the rehearsals quickly became a favourite part of the working week. I continue to enjoy singing in an excellent community choir in London.
I am passionate about diversity, and accessibility of music to people from all backgrounds. I am delighted to be involved with Vox Urbane, bringing my financial skills and experience to help them achieve their vision.
Trustee
Helen
Kihmm-von Preyss
Trustee
Noel Williams
My love for choral music began when I was a pupil at the choir school for Chichester Cathedral - although sadly tonsillitis on the day of the voice trials prevented me from joining the choir. Once my voice broke the closest anyone let me to a choir or mic was backing vocals in a school band. Thankfully a lack of mobile devices in those days means that no video or photographic evidence remains.
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A 35yr career in financial services followed, augmented by spells as a school governor, athletics youth team manager, food bank volunteer and as finance director for Highland Community Broadband, beaming wifi to remote communities in the northern Scottish highlands ignored by BT.
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Following my wife Kate’s involvement in several choirs over the years, I have always been struck by their lack of diversity and am delighted to be involved in a project that seeks to help redress that balance.
Trustee
Amena Zaman
I have worked in the voluntary sector for over 20 years with a diverse range of communities in various organisations. For the past 12 years my focus has in the Women’s Sector as a consultant, I have also delivered Sexual Health and Relationships workshops in schools in the UK. I recently trained as a yoga teacher, with the aim of including communities that do not have access to yoga studios.
As a child I was involved in community theatre, and attended the Half Moon Theatre in Stepney Green in the 70s. This is where my love for the arts and singing began. I went on to study Performing Arts, and after completing a PGCE at the University of Greenwich, I taught Performing Arts/Drama/Theatre programmes at Hackney College.
I am of Bengali descent and have experienced racism first hand, so all of my work has an anti-racist, inclusive and equitable focus. I am active in advocating for spaces that redress the imbalances that exist.
I am delighted to be a Trustee for Vox Urbane, and excited to see the changes they will create. I hope to bring my knowledge and skills to support Vox Urbane with their incredible work.