24 May 2019

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Charlotte Brosnan was a member of NYCGB between 2003-2010. She is now a singer, workshop leader and conductor. 

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When were you in NYCGB and what part did you sing?

I was in the choir between 2003-2010 and was Soprano 2 section leader. I also sang with the Chamber Choir until 2015. Soprano 2 the whole time! I’ve also been working as music staff on courses since 2008.

Where do you now live, and what do you do?

I live in Balham having previously lived in Rome and I’m a singer, workshop leader and conductor. Aside from my solo singing I am Choral Director of The City of London School for Girls, Singing Teacher at Kingston Grammar School, Ambassador for Friday Afternoons, I run workshops for the Voices Foundation, London Youth Choir, NYCGB and other organisations. I conduct Landmark Sound in Teddington and have just set up my own Community Choir at The Bedford pub in Balham. I live a pretty busy but music filled life.

Do you still sing, and if so, in what capacity?

Yes I still sing. Until recently I was a full time member of the professional a cappella quintet Apollo5 and now I am a soloist and currently preparing for a lot of auditions for Opera companies.

What is your standout moment from your time in NYCGB?

That’s a really hard question as I treasure all my memories in NYCGB! If I had to say it would be singing at the FA Cup Final in 2006 or Disney Hall, LA. Although the Disney Hall memory is a funny memory; we were standing on stage to start the concert and Eric Whitacre came out to conduct us. He didn’t tell us which piece we were starting with so on his downbeat we all started a few different songs! Also simply making such high quality music with some of my best friends is something that I will remember forever.

What is the one piece that if you heard it again would remind you of NYCGB?

Shenandoah or Meguru. Singing either song at the end of a concert, both remind me so much of NYCGB.

If you were to design a tour for the current National Youth Choir where would you take them?

I would probably take them on an Italian tour as I used to live in Rome. There are so many beautiful places to sing all over Italy and I know the Italians would appreciate the music. The food and wine would also go down well with the choir!

What skills did you gain in NYCGB that you still use in everyday life?

So so many skills. Key ones include leadership from when I was Soprano 2 section leader, team work, conducting and vocal stamina to name but a few. I’m sure I wouldn’t be where I am today without NYCGB!

You are having a fantasy dinner party: who's invited? (time travel and fiction are no obstacle) 

That’s a really tough question! David Attenborough, Renée Fleming, Pavarotti, Beyoncé, Raymond Blanc and my NYCGB friends.

Your house is on fire. Your family and pets are safe, but you have time to save just one possession. What do you save?

My piano, not that I can play it very well!

What is the theme tune to your nightmares/ dreams?

Dreams - Gallant Weaver, MacMillan.

Nightmares - weird answer and not really a song but the french train station SNCF jingle! I once stayed next to a french train station for a week whilst on tour and the jingle still goes round and round in my head!

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