Graduate Scholars
Daniel Marles is a tenor from Leeds and a recent graduate from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire where he earned a First Class Honours Degree studying under Cathy Benson.
Daniel enjoys singing with choirs across the UK and internationally, recent highlights include performing with Italian ensemble Vox Medicea in the Rome Chamber Music Festival, with Echo Choir touring Orkney and performing in the St Magnus International Festival, and recording music of various contemporary composers in Oxford and at Birmingham Conservatoire. Daniel is looking forward to a busy season of performances, and continuing to develop his artistry with the Ex Cathedra Graduate Programme, being a recent graduate of the Ex Cathedra Student Scholars programme, and also from the 13th cohort of Genesis 16’s Young Artists’ Programme.
Andrew Morton has always shown a keen interest in music. He began learning the violin at the age of 5, followed by piano and singing. He was a music scholar at Eltham College and studied Music at the University of Manchester, specialising in singing, before going onto a Masters Degree at York University. There, he received intensive training on the Solo Voice Ensemble Singing course. Led by Robert Hollingworth, the course involved many masterclasses with some of the most renowned singers in the UK such as Nicholas Mulroy and Eamonn Dougan.
While studying, Andrew completed a year as a Choral Scholar at York Minster and performed with various choirs, such as The 24 and Vox. Andrew will also be a part of the 2025/26 Vox Next Gen cohort, and a graduate scholar with Ex Cathedra.
Lucy Ormrod is a mezzo-soprano from Manchester who began her musical career aged eight as a chorister at Manchester Cathedral. She graduated with a BMus (Hons) from Royal Holloway, University of London (2023) where she held a Choral Scholarship with The Choir of Royal Holloway. In her final year, she also sang with the Choir of St Bartholomew-the-Great, West Smithfield.
In 2023-24, Lucy was part of the 13th cohort of Genesis Sixteen. She then spent a year as a Choral Scholar at St Martin-in-the-Fields in London before moving to York to begin an MA in Solo Voice Ensemble Singing at the University of York, studying with Robert Hollingworth. Alongside her postgraduate studies, she held a Choral Scholarship at York Minster (2024-25), singing regularly in services and concerts.
From October 2025, she will take up the role of Alto Lay Clerk at New College, Oxford.
Matt Pandya is a baritone based in Birmingham. Originally from Coventry, Matthew graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2023 with a degree in French and Music and has just completed an MMus in Vocal Performance at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, where he has performed operatic roles including ‘Pandolfe’ in Massenet’s Cendrillon, ‘Sid’ in Britten’s Albert Herring and ‘King’ in Smyth’s Fête Galante.
Matthew also has a growing repertoire as a concert soloist, including performances of Vaughan Williams’ Five Mystical Songs, Bach’s St John Passion and Mozart’s Requiem. A versatile singer, Matthew equally has a wide range of choral experience, having sung with some of the UK’s top choirs, including Ex Cathedra and The Sixteen. He is a former member of the choir at Saint Chad’s Cathedral, Birmingham, an Ex Cathedra Scholar, and a graduate of the renowned Genesis Sixteen programme, performing regularly at venues such as Symphony Hall, the Royal Albert Hall and Monte Carlo’s Grimaldi Forum.
Outside of classical singing, Matthew is a vocal tutor, an avid sports fan and an international barbershop medallist with Ami Quartet.
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Student Scholars
Alexandra Burstow is a soprano from Dorset, in her third year of study at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, studying with Maureen Brathwaite. Particularly passionate about choral singing, she is thrilled to accept an Ex Cathedra scholarship for a second year, alongside work as Soprano lay clerk at St Chad’s Cathedral. Alexandra also sings at Birmingham Oratory and is a member of the Conservatoire’s Chamber Choir, performing a range of repertoire, including two CD recordings.
Alexandra has ventured into the world of opera, performing the role of Belinda in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas with Bournemouth Sinfonietta Choir, and as chorus in the Conservatoire’s double bill of Dido and Aeneas and Ethyl Smyth’s Fête Galante. Also a keen concert soloist, Alexandra has performed with Bournemouth Sinfonietta, Wimborne Choral Society, Stourport Choral Society, in works including Tippett’s Five Spirituals, Kodály Missa Brevis, Haydn Creation, Haydn Little Organ Mass, Vivaldi Gloria and more.
Aside from music, Alexandra enjoys spending time in nature, walking her springer spaniel and sea swimming!
Evelyn Byford is a soprano entering her third year at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, she was brought up in Hampshire. Evelyn has extensive choral and solo experience, singing with ensembles including the Rodolfus Choir, Elgar Scholars and RBC Chamber Choir, soloing in both of their recent album recordings.
Her performances have taken her to venues such as the Royal Festival Hall, Westminster Abbey, and Town Hall. Evelyn began as a chorister at Winchester Cathedral, where she was a Head Chorister and took part in BBC broadcasts and professional recordings. She spent her final sixth form year singing at Guildford Cathedral. Evelyn has participated in schools and masterclasses with leading artists including Anna Lapwood, Patrick Dunachie, and VOCES8. She is a member of the Birmingham Salvation Army Songsters and held a choral scholarship at St Mary’s Moseley and deputised at St Chad’s Cathedral.
Evelyn is looking forward to the year ahead with Ex Cathedra.
William Swinnerton is a baritone from Hampshire, about to go into his 3rd year at RBC. He started singing aged 9 at Romsey Abbey, where he was Head Chorister. William was a choral scholar at Beaulieu Abbey, and a member of the National Youth Choir of Great Britain.
He is currently a bass lay clerk at St Chad’s Cathedral, as well as a member of the RBC Chamber Choir. Away from choral singing, William is enjoying the start of his operatic career, having recently played the role of Mr Gedge, the vicar, in RBC’s production of Benjamin Britten’s Albert Herring, as well as playing the role of Pierrot in Ethel Smyth’s opera Fête Galante, performed in June 2025.
William is very excited to be a student scholar with Ex Cathedra for his second season, in what promises to be a fantastic year of concerts!
Joshua Thompson is a Bass from Hampshire, currently studying Vocal and Operatic Studies at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. His love of singing began at the age of 7 years old when he became a chorister at Winchester Cathedral. He then went on to becoming Head Chorister at Romsey Abbey where he sang for BBC Songs of Praise, a Royal wedding and numerous professional level recordings. Joshua was a member of the National Youth Choir and recently performed at The Royal Albert Hall.
He is thoroughly enjoying his time in Birmingham, has sung in many concerts with The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Chamber Choir and recently performed in his first opera, Massenet’s ‘Cendrillon’. Joshua is thrilled to be involved with Ex Cathedra and the opportunities this will bring.
Ex Cathedra Student Scholars
Georgi Davies is a mezzo-soprano about to begin her fourth year at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, studying with Maureen Brathwaite. She began singing in All Saints Church Choir, Northampton, at the age of nine.
Since then, she has been a choral scholar at Holy Trinity Church, Coventry, then singing at St Chad’s Cathedral, Birmingham, and, from September 2025, will join St Philip’s Cathedral, Birmingham as an alto lay clerk. Elsewhere, she has previously been a member of the CBSO Chorus and RBC’s Chamber Choir.
In Conservatoire productions, she has played: 4th Spirit in Massenet’s Cendrillon (2024), Hélène in Chabrier’s Une Éducation Manquée (Scenes, 2024), Harry in Britten’s Albert Herring (2025), and most recently sang in the chorus of Dido and Aeneas.
Sophie Henderson is a soprano, hailing from Derbyshire, going into her fourth year at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, where she studies singing under Catherine Benson and is generously supported by the Josephine Baker Trust.
During her time at RBC so far, Sophie has enjoyed roles in the Spring and Summer Operas and Opera Scenes, most recently the Spirit in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, as well as being a finalist in the Winifred Micklam Prize and the Birmingham Festival Choral Society Oratorio Prize.
In addition to her studies, Sophie is an experienced recitalist, and has sung with multiple choirs including: National Youth Choir, the Birmingham Oratory, CBSO Chorus, Ex Cathedra and St Philip’s Cathedral, where she works as a Soprano Lay Clerk.
Laura Toomey is a contralto, in her fourth year as an undergraduate scholarship student, studying under Jonathan Gunthorpe. Originally from Billingham, Teesside, she started singing in St Peter’s Church, Stockton, at the age of 9, and then went on to sing at St Peter’s Collegiate Church, Wolverhampton, as an alto choral scholar in her first year at the Conservatoire. She sang in the Millennium Youth Choir, from 2018 to 2023, and was part of the Samling Academy programme from 2016 to 2021.
At the Conservatoire, Laura is currently a Josephine Baker Young Artist, was awarded first prize in the Birmingham Festival Choral Society Oratorio Prize 2024, and played the role of the Sorceress in their 2025 production of Dido and Æneas.
In addition to her studies, Laura sings at the Birmingham Oratory and was part of the 2023/24 cohort of Genesis Sixteen. She is also part of the James Bowman Young Artist programme with Vache Baroque this year.
Thomas Hawkey-Soar is a 22-year-old Tenor who recently graduated with First Class Honours in Vocal Performance from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, studying under Christopher Turner. At RBC, he was awarded the coveted ‘St Clare Barfield Rosebowl for Operatic Distinction’ and placed third in the Edward Brookes English Song Prize. He now continues on the MMus course, kindly supported by scholarships from the Lamport Hall Trust and the Josephine Baker Trust.
While an Undergraduate at RBC, Tom performed Opera roles including Albert in Britten’s Albert Herring, The Lover in Smyth’s Fête Galante, and scenes as Tom Rakewell (The Rake’s Progress), Pelléas (Pelléas et Mélisande), and Leukippos (Daphne). Externally, he recently appeared as ‘Lawyer’ and Rev. Horace Adams (Cover) in Britten’s Peter Grimes (BYO). Tom has performed as a soloist in works including Messiah, Elijah, and Bach’s B Minor Mass, and additionally sings as a Lay Clerk at Birmingham Cathedral.
Although primarily a singer, Tom also conducts, bringing a performer’s unique insight to foster empathetic, musically informed collaboration on stage. When not singing, he can usually be found in the kitchen, on the squash court, or admiring modernist architecture while attempting to look inconspicuous.
University of Birmingham Student Scholars
Alice Madden is a soprano from Manchester in her final year of a Music degree at the University of Birmingham. She is a first-study singer, learning with Elizabeth Cragg, and is looking forward to being an Ex Cathedra scholar for a second year. Last season, Alice performed with the main choir, scholars ensemble and professional consort in programmes such as Bach St Matthew Passion, Rachmaninov Vespers, and their acclaimed Christmas and Summer Candlelight series, including several solo opportunities, most notably in Joubert Three Portraits. Alice has been a member of St Endellion Summer Festival Chorus since 2021, where she has performed in numerous operas and oratorios. She most recently sang in the semi-chorus for Vaughan Williams A Sea Symphony and in the ensemble for Dido and Aeneas. Whilst at university, Alice has also sung with the Birmingham University Singers, UoB Camerata, Liturgical Choir and Chorus, and she is also a member of the Birmingham Oratory Choir. Alice is a keen clarinettist too, having studied at the Junior Royal Northern College of Music for 3 years. She enjoys being a member of the university Symphony Orchestra and playing lacrosse in her spare time.
Hannah Komedera
Hannah Komedera is a mezzo-soprano from London, currently studying Music at the University of Birmingham under the tutelage of Alison Chamberlain. Hannah was awarded a Music Exhibition whilst she was at the Lady Eleanor Holles School. Hannah enjoys participating in choirs and sings with the Birmingham University Singers, the CBSO chorus, and The Elgar Scholars. In the CBSO chorus, she has sung solos in Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms and Haydn’s The Creation. She thoroughly enjoys performing opera and has been in the university’s Gilbert and Sullivan Society since her first year. Through this society, she has performed the characters of Dame Carruthers in The Yeomen of the Guard and Ruth in the Pirates of Penzance. She has, additionally, conducted their most recent production, Patience. Hannah also performs with Bedfordshire Youth Opera and will be in the chorus for their upcoming performance of Jonathon Dove’s The Enchanted Pig.
Hannah is also an accomplished flautist, having achieved her ARSM in 2022 playing with the university’s Symphony Orchestra.
Ryan Evans is a baritone from Swansea. He is currently studying physics at the University of Birmingham where he holds a choral scholarship. His love of singing began with musical theatre. He was a member of Class Act Theatre School (CATS) from 2016-2024, where he played a variety of roles, notably Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicoloured Dreamcoat, and Javert in Les Miserables. While in college, he was a member of the Swansea Philharmonic Choir where he performed works such as J.S Bach’s St John Passion and Puccini’s Messa di Gloria. In 2024 he won the Dunvant Male Voice Choir Young Singer Award, and has performed as a soloist with them, as well as with Swansea Philharmonic. In his first year at UoB, he sang with the University Singers and was taught by Piran Legg. He also performed as the Sergeant in the Gilbert and Sullivan society’s performance of The Pirates of Penzance. As well as singing, Ryan also plays the violin.
Lucas Rebato is a bass-baritone from London, currently studying Computer Science at the University of Birmingham where he holds a choral scholarship. An alumnus of the Trinity Boys Choir (under the direction of David Swinson) he toured internationally with both choral and solo performances in China, Spain, Italy, Germany, France and Belgium. In the UK, he performed at major venues including the Royal Opera House, Royal Albert Hall (BBC Proms and others) and Royal Festival Hall. His operatic credits include performances at Garsington Opera (Die Zauberflöte, The Turn of the Screw), English National Opera (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), and The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía in Valencia (Die Zauberflöte). His voice also features on the soundtracks for films such as Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, and Maleficent 2, and he performed solo work for the video game Battlefield V. More recent highlights include performing with Bill Bailey on the Royal Variety Performance and touring France and Belgium with the French viol consort L’Acheron. At university, Lucas studies with Piran Legg and sings with the University Singers under the direction of Bob Chilcott. He recently appeared as the bass soloist in Mozart’s Coronation Mass and performed Haydn’s Creation with the CBSO Chorus. Outside of music and his studies, Lucas enjoys cooking, Formula 1, and volunteers with the RAF Air Cadets.
Thank you
Ex Cathedra would like to thank the individuals and trusts whose support makes the scheme possible this year, including: Claverdon Fields Charitable Trust, D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust, Fenton Arts Trust, Garrick Trust, Idlewild Trust, S&D Lloyd Charity, Scops Arts Trust, Thistle Trust, the private donors to our Alice Corser Fund, the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and the University of Birmingham.