Voices Foundation appoints new chief executive

Manvinder Rattan joins from Sing for Pleasure (SfP), where as CEO and Head of Conductor Training, he and his team of tutors teach around 300 conductors each year. He initiated and devised SfP’s Young Conductors Programme, an annual scholarship scheme which trains talented young would-be choral conductors in effective choral leadership and prepares them for a career in the field.

He will be leading Voices Foundation through the next phase of its development when the organisation will implement a new three-year strategy with a targeted focus on pupils experiencing disadvantage and a continued focus on sustainable growth and improved pupil wellbeing.

Alongside his roles at Sing for Pleasure, Rattan has been Musical Director of the John Lewis Partnership Music Society since 1995, with responsibility for its 15 choirs and an orchestra. He was also a judge for BBC2’s The Choir with Gareth Malone. In 2016 he was awarded an honorary doctorate by his alma mater, York St John University, for his services to music and conducting.

Voices Foundation Chair of Trustees Christopher Hopton said, ‘Manvinder is hugely respected in the sector and has a great combination of being a musical inspiration and an experienced Chief Executive. His work with Sing for Pleasure and John Lewis Partnership over many years has been extremely impressive and we look forward to welcoming him to Voices Foundation very soon.’

Manvinder Rattan said, ‘I am over the moon to be joining the team at Voices Foundation and leading this remarkable organisation on the next stage of its journey. We all know that this country would be a much better place if EVERY child had singing as part of their upbringing and I look forward to Voices Foundation doing even more than it already has to help achieve that objective.’

Photo: Manvinder Rattan © Mark Kirsten