Charles MacDougall – Conductor

Charles MacDougall, known equally for his singing and his transformative work with choirs and singers, was appointed director of Finsbury Park Singers in early 2023.

A former member of internationally-acclaimed vocal ensemble VOCES8, he now sings for a number of other ensembles, including Gabrieli Consort and Players London Voices (appearing on numerous film soundtracks) and London Early Opera (including as a soloist on their releases Handel at Vauxhall, Vol.1 & 2, Signum Classics), as well as undertaking solo engagements internationally.

An accomplished choral conductor and vocal coach, he is Chorus Director for Gabrieli ROAR, Vocal Ensembles Coach and Tutor in Vocal Studies at Junior Trinity (Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance) and directs 3 choirs in London. Recent directing highlights include conducting the world premieres of both Errollyn Wallen’s MAP: Songs For Children Everywhere for Britten-Pears Arts in Hull and Snape Maltings, and David Bruce’s Songs of Home for the 25th anniversary of The Voices Foundation at St. John’s, Smith Square. He is extremely active as a workshop leader, presenting sessions for the BBC Singers, UK Choir Festival, Association of British Choral Directors, LSO and Stay At Home Choir.

As an educator, he was part of the team that received the Music and Drama Education Award for Excellence in Primary/Early Years 2018 and he helped devise and deliver the daily Virtual Sing for children on lockdown in 2020. In 2021 he wrote the first volume of Inside Singing, a choral resource for primary school choir leaders, shortlisted for Outstanding Music Education Resource in the Music and Drama Education Awards 2023.

A fierce advocate for the importance of music and music education, he is the Choral Director of Voices Foundation, an Ambassador for Britten-Pears Arts, a Trustee of IntoOpera, and a Director and Trustee of the Choral Foundation, Chapel Royal, Hampton Court Palace.

A fierce advocate for the importance of music and music education, he is the Choral Director of Voices Foundation, an Ambassador for Britten-Pears Arts, a Trustee of IntoOpera, and a Director and Trustee of the Choral Foundation, Chapel Royal, Hampton Court Palace.

Hannah Brine – Founder and Choir Manager

Hannah Brine is a passionate choral conductor who believes that everyone can sing, regardless of experience or background. Growing up in a musical family, Hannah recognises the privilege of early musical exposure and has dedicated her career to making the joy of singing accessible to all. She firmly believes in the transformative power of music, whether it’s enjoyed once a week, once a month, or even once a year.

Hannah prides herself on creating safe, nurturing environments where singers of all levels can thrive. Her choirs work with some of the best professional musicians, maintaining high standards while inspiring participants to reach their full potential. Her commitment to excellence is reflected in the diverse and prestigious performances her choirs have delivered, including appearances at the Royal Variety Show, Olivier Awards, BBC Proms, and various TV and recording projects. Hannah founded Victoria Park Singers in 2013. To read more about her work visit www.hannahbrine.uk.

Judith Ogden – Administrator and Hannah’s assistant

Judith grew up in Oxfordshire and studied for a degree in Music at Bristol University, graduating in 1994. She worked for a marketing production company in Bristol, and then for a marketing consultancy in Bath, before becoming a freelance arts administrator, graphic and web designer in 2002. She has appeared as a singing extra in Christmas specials of Call the Midwife and Casualty, and on the soundtrack for TV ads and drama series, as well as on the sci-fi film Annihilation. She is married to the conductor and composer David Ogden, and has four children aged from 18 to 28 years.