Héloise Bernard and Alan Kitchen

Héloïse Bernard, French-American singer based in Glasgow, graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2018. Before embracing a musical career, Héloïse studied French Language and Literature at Université Paris 7 and Drama at the Ecole Nationale de Créteil.

It’s in the Early and Baroque repertoire that Héloïse stands out: she has been Dido in Dido and Aeneas with the Young Baroque Ensemble in Tallinn, Estonia ; Amore, in L'incoronazione di Poppea by Monteverdi with the ensemble OrQuesta. She sang Iris, for the recent recording of Eccles' Semele, with the Academy of Ancient music, directed by Julian Perkins.

She collaborates closely with lutenist Kristiina Watt, in their ensemble Cordes en Ciel, with whom they nourish a particular interest for 17th and 18th century Airs de cour. She also sings with the Linarol Consort of viols and the Spinacino Consort

Alan Kitchen, originally from Coatbridge, studied music at Glasgow University, gaining his B Mus (Hons) degree as one of the last students of Prof Frederick Rimmer. In his final year he studied organ with Professor George McPhee. 

Since 2005 he has been Organist and Director of Music at Wellington Church, Glasgow. He is in demand as an accompanist for choral services and concerts, and gives regular organ recitals on the fine Lewis organs both in Kelvingrove Art Gallery, and at Ayr Town Hall.  

As a full time freelance musician, much of his work is in the field of light music and entertainment music, covering a wide variety of musical styles. However, organ playing, liturgical or otherwise, remains a large part of his work. Alan is a trustee of the Glasgow Society of Organists. Leisure pursuits include fair-weather cycling.