Ruth Evans appointed as new Chair of the Board of Trustees

An announcement from Kantos: Manchester, UK – 30.6.25

Kantos Chamber Choir, the North West’s leading professional chamber choir, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ruth Evans as the new Chair of its Board of Trustees.

Ruth succeeds Andrew Kyle, who has served as chair since Kantos became a charity in 2021, leading the organisation through significant artistic milestones and strategic development.

Ruth joins Kantos at a pivotal time, as the choir continues to expand its reach through bold programming, innovative collaborations and a growing presence on both national and international stages. She brings a wealth of experience in strategic creative leadership including vital skills in governance, partner development and fundraising. Ruth has previously held management roles at National Youth Choir UK, Glyndebourne and Welsh National Opera. These have been alongside her freelance career specialising in directing operas, conducting community choirs and tutoring for Sing for Pleasure (UK Choral Charity). She currently holds governance roles with the London Handel Festival and the Welsh Music Guild, and chaired the first NEW Sinfonia board of trustees when they were a newly registered charity. She is now working with NEW Sinfonia on the executive team as Co-Company Director.

On her appointment, Ruth Evans, said: “It’s an honour to step into the role of Chair for Kantos. This is an ensemble and organisation that dares to challenge, inspire and reimagine what choral music can be. I look forward to supporting such a bold artistic vision and working alongside an extraordinary team to help shape the next chapter of Kantos’ journey.”

Outgoing Chairman, Andrew Kyle, said: “It has been a great pleasure to watch Kantos grow, from taking its first steps way back in 2015 to becoming the transformative professional powerhouse it is today - and an immense privilege to have been a part of that process. I am delighted to be remaining as a Trustee, and excited to watch Kantos’ continued growth and development under Ruth’s Chairmanship and Ellie and Claire’s truly remarkable leadership.”

CEO, Claire Shercliff, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Ruth to the Kantos team. Her leadership and insight will be invaluable as we enter an exciting new chapter in the choir’s journey. She is deeply committed to creating inclusive spaces where both performers and audiences can experience the unifying force of music, and we can’t wait to work with her.”

Founded in 2015 and co-led by Artistic Director Ellie Slorach, and CEO, Claire Shercliff, Kantos has earned acclaim for its distinctive sound, fresh approach to classical repertoire, and commitment to contemporary music. The choir regularly performs at leading venues and festivals across the UK and features prominently in recordings and broadcasts.

For more information about Kantos, visit: www.kantoschamberchoir.com