Charlotte, a former music scholar and head of School House, founded Piculet - a London-based vocal consort of five singers - in 2020 with other Bristol University alumni (including the son of conductor Sir Roger Norrington). Their performance in Dedham church, titled Byrds of a Feather, will see the group explore themes of change and migration through Renaissance choral music.

Charlotte left Ipswich School to read BA Hons Russian and Italian at the University of Bristol. As part of her degree, she studied History of Art at Milan University and translated for the Novosibirsk State Opera and Ballet Theatre. She also sang with the theatre’s opera chorus. Charlotte began her career in advertising in Moscow at Saatchi & Saatchi, and now works as a Strategy Director at independent creative agency St Luke’s in London.

She says, “I’ve always wanted to keep singing as much as possible, through deputising in London churches, attending Morley College evening masterclasses, and singing in a variety of choirs and ensembles.”

Piculet perform several concerts throughout London and the UK: their Christmas concert will be held on Wednesday 13th December at Our Most Holy Redeemer in Clerkenwell, and a tour to Italy is being planned for 2024.

Charlotte is also a member of The Working Consort, a collective of full-time professionals (made up of both singers and instrumentalists) who perform contemporary music in their spare time. Their next concert, on Friday 12th October at St Mary-at-Hill in London, focuses on the work of Meredith Monk.

Charlotte commented, “I continue to feel lucky to have attended Ipswich School, and gaining a well-rounded, intellectually stimulating and supportive education. I have particular admiration and respect for Headmaster Mr. Galbraith (1993 - 2010) for cultivating this environment. My fellow OIs and I appreciate the strong connections the School continues to bring, and I enjoy returning to perform in concerts and well-attended reunions.”

“I am particularly grateful to the School music department led by Mr. Leach, and the encouragement he gave to music students; to Dr. Reeves-Croft, who gave me a lifetime’s fascination for the Russian language and culture; and to the inimitable Mr. Burnett and Ms. Clark of the English department. Last but not least PE teacher Mr. Clayton who, challenging me for my lack of running abilities, spurred me on to complete the London marathon for a special needs charity in 2019!”

To book tickets for the Piculet Concert, Byrds of a Feather at Dedham please email dedhameditor@gmail.com, they may also be available at the door. The proceeds from the performance will support the church’s organ fund.