Chansons Cordiales

Jonathan Lee studied the organ at Berkhamsted School, the Junior Royal Academy of Music (London), Stellenbosch Konservatorium (South Africa), and at Cambridge University. Whilst at Cambridge he read for a degree in music, was an Organ Scholar at Sidney Sussex College and studied the organ with both Nicholas Kynaston and John Wellingham. At Sidney Sussex he directed the Chapel Choir on foreign tours, on German radio, on the BBC News, and in cathedrals such as Westminster Abbey and York Minster. Previous to Cambridge, he was Assistant Organist at the Diocesan College in Cape Town, where as choir accompanist, he recorded, was broadcast by the BBC and SAFM, and toured to English Cathedrals. Jonathan is currently the organist of Berkhamsted Parish Church. Recent work as an accompanist has taken Jonathan to Germany (accompanying the Leipzig Gewandhauschor and the Chiltern Chamber Choir), Switzerland, and America. He often works with the Cambridge based Opera Oscura group to revive forgotten and little-known baroque operas. Aside from his work as a performer, Jonathan works for ABRSM Publishing as a Music Editor and Copyrighter

Katherine Banister

Studied singing from an early age, joining the National Youth Choir of Great Britain. As a member and later section leader in NYC Katherine participated in many international tours, including performances in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and the Pacific Islands amongst others, in addition to an extensive performance schedule throughout the UK. As a member of the National Youth Chamber Choir ? hailed by audiences and critics as one of the finest chambers choirs in the world ? she was part of the 16-voice team that won the Tolosa International Choral Competition, scoring 95% - the highest marks ever awarded.

Katherine has performed in many of London's most prestigious venues, including the Purcell Room, St John?s Smith Square and the Barbican. She has sung under the baton of John Rutter, Sir David Willcocks and Sir Neville Marriner whilst touring Germany with the Academy of St Martin-in-the-Fields. Other engagements include singing with the King?Singers in Birmingham Symphony Hall and less conventional performances include backing singing for soul singer Dina Carroll, as part of the Leipzig Gothic Festival and with the comedy string trio Pluck at the Purcell Room.

World Premiere performances include works by Howard Goodall for the National Holocaust Memorial Service; by Michael Kamen for the Queen's Jubilee celebration, both broadcast on BBC Television, and Jonathan Dove's When She Died, a TV opera about Diana's death filmed for Channel 4; as well as works by John Hearne. Recordings include music by Giles Swayne (CD awarded 5* by The Times), Richard Allain, Arvo P?rt and John Hearne.

Recent solo performances include Copland In The Beginning, Mozart Requiem, Vivaldi Gloria and arias from Bach St Matthew Passion and a solo recital of French and English Song. Future plans include a further recital of English and American Song to celebrate Thanksgiving in 2007.

Christine Kinsella - Soprano

Originally from Wiltshire, Christine studied at Trinity College of Music from where she graduated with First Class Honours.

Since leaving college she has continued to have a wide and varied performing career in London and the South East. She sings with many professional groups including Southwark Voices, with whom she recorded with Luciano Pavarotti in November 2003.

In the past few years Christine's singing has taken her all over the world, most recently to France, Germany, Italy, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and New York.

She is in demand as a session singer and recent television appearances include Children in Need and Parkinson, both for the BBC, and appearances with Lesley Garrett, Charlotte Church, Hayley Westenra and Russell Watson. She appeared at the Purcell Room on the South Bank with the comedy string trio ‘Pluck’, with whom she also appeared in London's West End in March 2007.

Other recent performances have included Vaughan Williams? Mass in G Minor, Elgar's Sea Pictures, a concert performance of highlights from Carmen, the Pergolesi Magnificat, Haydn's Nelson Mass, Copland In The Beginning, Durufle Requiem and Bach's St John Passion.