Dr. Shirley Court BEM
Shirley is the founding Choir Director of both the Chanterelles and the Halle Childrens’ Choir.
She is known nationally for her ability to motivate and inspire young singers of all ages and capabilities, and in December 2020 this was recognised when she was awarded a British Empire Medal for services to singing.
Shirley also holds an Honorary Degree from the University of Leicester for her work as a conductor with Youth choirs and Music in Schools.
Whilst in Leicestershire her girls’ choir The Chanterelles were awarded numerous awards and after a break of 8 years, they re-formed as a ladies choir going on to win major competitions including the Llangollen International Music Eisteddfod, Cheltenham and at the Isle of Man.
In July last year Shirley was awarded the Conductor prize at the Cardiff International Choral Festival.
Shirley was the conductor of both the Senior Girls Choir and the Junior chorus at the CBSO for 14 years, as well as Cheshire Youth choir for 12 years.
Shirley also teaches singing to diploma level and many of her past pupils have had a successful singing career.
She is a regular adjudicator at the Manchester Choral Competition and other local music festivals and events, as well as acting as a consultant on many National Singing initiatives
She delivers inset courses for teachers and is delighted to be the Leader of the Halle Leading School Choirs Programme.
Her ladies choir, The Chanterelles won the Llangollen International Eisteddfod in 2011 and The North Wales Choral competition in November 2011. The Choir were chosen to take part in the Cork International Choral Competition in May 2012 and in October 2013 won the Ladies category in the Isle of Man Choral Competition. In 2016 they were winners at the Manchester Amateur Choral Competition and in 2018 the were winners of the ladies class, open class & choir championship at The Mrs Sunderland Music Festival. Also, in 2018 the were winners of the ladies class at the North Wales Choral Festival. In 2019 they were awarded first place in the folk song category and female voice category at the Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts.