Choir Leaders

Joanna Foster is a dynamic choir leader, singer, and composer who has been inspiring voices across London for over 25 years. A passionate advocate for harmony in all its forms, Jo brings together her deep love of world music, jazz, and theatre to create unforgettable singing experiences. www.joannafoster.com

Jo co-founded the acclaimed world a cappella group KITE alongside Helen Chadwick and Venice Manley, and continues to perform with the Helen Chadwick Group, recently featured on BBC Radio 3 and as regular artists at The Linbury Studio, Royal Opera House.

In 2007, Jo formed ANIMA, a four-piece vocal ensemble dedicated to performing her original work Visions of Seven—a luminous fusion of jazz, poetry, and folk that has captivated audiences at arts centres, festivals, and charity events nationwide. She also shares her love of Eastern European music with the vibrant folk band BESKYDY, known for their roof-raising performances.

An accomplished actor as well as a musician, Jo’s stage credits include leading roles with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal National Theatre, along with extensive work in television.

Now based in Clapton, Hackney, Jo continues to compose, perform, and lead community choirs—bringing people together through the joy and connection of singing.

Cleo Bayley is a singer, songwriter, and choir leader who has spent over 30 years creating harmony—both musical and human. After performing with bands and signing to Warner Chappell Publishing, she discovered her true calling: using music to unite communities.

Since the early 2000s, Cleo has founded innovative music projects across London, from toddler workshops at Jackson's Lane to songwriting sessions with excluded children in Wandsworth schools. In 2002, she co-founded Creative Inclusion, blending poetry, art, and voice to create original community works.

In 2010, Cleo launched Hackney Voices Community Choir with co-leader Joanna Foster, bringing glorious a cappella harmonies from folk, world, and pop traditions to the heart of Hackney. She also leads The Mudlarks Choir and The Feel Good Choir in Southend, plus Singing for Lung Health sessions at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals.

"I absolutely love running these sessions! We connect, laugh, and I see such transformation in people's wellbeing in just an hour. It's like magic!"

When not leading choirs, Cleo performs with her folk band The Ondines and jazz-folk quartet Anima.