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About Us
Belcanto is a female voice choir which was formed in 2008 with just 12 members. They have since grown to a 36–strong choir and have established themselves at the forefront of international choirs, having been a winner at Llangollen International Eisteddfod, North Wales Choral Festival and runner-up at the Manchester Amateur Choral Competition. The choir sings a wide range of music covering all styles and periods, including classical and contemporary works, gospels and musicals in addition to a Capella.
The Choir
The group is based in Kettering, England, raising much needed funds for local charities and churches. In addition, they have travelled elsewhere in the UK and also the US during their short history.
The choir sings a wide range of music covering all styles and periods, including classical and contemporary works, gospel and musicals, both A cappella and accompanied by their pianist Edward Pick. The members love singing and aim to bring joy to all those who come to their concerts, always striving to uphold the tradition of Bel Canto (Italian for ‘beautiful singing’).
Members come from all walks of life with an age range of 17 to 60 and this includes a number of mother and daughter combinations.
Barry Clark
The choir is conducted by Barry Clark, well known to all musicians in Kettering.
Barry studied piano and trumpet at the Royal Academy of Music. For thirty years he was Head of Music in schools in Harrow, Market Harborough and Kettering, during which time his bands, orchestras and choirs won numerous awards at international events.
More recently, in addition to his work with Belcanto, his choir ‘Masquerade’ have been Children’s Choir of the Year and winners at Llangollen three times. In1997 he took early retirement in order to concentrate on his examining and adjudicating for the British and International Federation of Festivals, and since then he has travelled extensively.
Edward Pick
Edward is a pianist and teacher based in Kettering. He currently teaches at Uppingham School and at home. He has performed at Barbican Hall, LSO St. Luke’s, the Royal Albert Hall, Wigmore Hall and St. John’s Smith Square, and has broadcast numerous times for BBC Radio 3. His competition successes include First Prize in the Robert William & Florence Amy Brant International Pianoforte Competition.
Edward is also a composer and his music has been broadcast on JCom Radio in Great Britain, and on French national radio. He now enjoys working principally as an accompanist in Northamptonshire. When he is not working, Edward is a keen cyclist.