Biography

Hope Pugh – Director of Musical Engagement  

I am very pleased to begin my role as Director of Musical Engagement at Swansea Minster. My background in professional music performance, music education, church music leadership and the community arts has equipped me with the skills, knowledge, and experience  to create a wonderful Musical Engagement Programme at the Minster. 

I was born in Herefordshire and moved to Birmingham for university. I studied Vocal and Operatic studies at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire with scholarship graduating in 2022. I worked as an Alto Lay clerk at Birmingham Cathedral and the National Schools Singing  Programme as a Choral Director. Another of my roles was as a Chorister Singing Teacher at Handsworth St Mary’s Church which gave me many skills in leadership and organising community events. I managed large scale productions and concerts involving lots of  schools to bring together the diverse community. I delivered weekly singing lessons and prepared the choristers for Sunday service and ABRSM exams. 

I enjoy performing as a soloist regularly and have a keen interest in choral consort singing and oratorio. I was selected to be part of Genesis Sixteen: The Sixteen’s young artists’ programme. I’m very fortunate to now work occasionally in their Learning and  Outreach department. Previously I was the Alto Student Scholar for Ex Cathedra and was the first female Alto Choral Scholar at Worcester Cathedral in 2019/20. 

Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated the ability to develop and implement successful music programs within educational and community settings. I have a high degree of experience with engaging students and community members in meaningful musical  experiences, fostering their love for music, and building their confidence in singing. My experience in being a professional choral and operatic singer, conducting choirs of varying ages, singing teaching, directing community music projects and creating a  vision to make music more accessible aligns with what Swansea Minster want to achieve with their new projects. 

I am passionate about the role of music in worship and its power to enhance the spiritual experience. As a full-time Lay Clerk at Birmingham Cathedral, I saw firsthand the effects music has on the congregation and everybody that enters the Cathedral. I am confident  in my ability to collaboratively create a diverse and inspiring program that complements the Minster's traditions while attracting new participants and enriching the worship experience for all. 

I have relocated from a very tight-knit, friendly community at Birmingham Cathedral including fellow musicians, clergy, administrative staff, vergers, volunteers and congregation members. Having such strong working relationships with people in each department  has enhanced and contributed towards my growth both as a musician and a person. This is something I value and am excited to continue with the lovely team and congregation at Swansea Minster.  

Dear Head Teachers/Teachers,

My name is Hope Pugh, and I am the newly appointed Director of Musical Engagement at Swansea Minster. I studied for 4 years at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire where I gained a degree in Vocal and Operatic Music Performance BMus with Honors. Since graduating I have worked as a freelance choral, classical and operatic Mezzo Soprano, vocal educator and choral director. I have successfully led and set up many musical educational opportunities and projects in Birmingham and am excited to share my knowledge and enhance the musical life of young people in Swansea. I am writing to you today to explore potential collaboration opportunities between Swansea Minster and your school music program. We are deeply committed to fostering musical talent and engagement within our community, and we believe that a partnership could offer enriching experiences for your students and our community alike.

Swansea Minster boasts a vibrant musical tradition, which is only going to grow with the new Minster status (The first Minster Church in Wales), the appointment of myself leading the new musical engagement programme and the magnificent acoustic space that is ideal for performances. We are particularly interested in discussing ways your students could become involved in our musical life, which could include: Performance opportunities, joint musical projects, potential masterclasses, workshops and Choral Opportunities.

We believe that such collaborations could provide significant benefits to your students, offering them unique performance opportunities, exposure to a wider musical community, and the chance to develop their skills in a professional and inspiring environment. We are flexible and eager to tailor any partnership to best suit the needs and interests of your school.

I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss these ideas further with you at your convenience. Please feel free to contact me by replying to this email or by calling Swansea Minster. I look forward to the possibility of working together to enrich the musical lives of young people in Swansea.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Hope Pugh

Director of Musical Engagement Swansea Minster