Helen Harrison

The Orchestra appointed Helen as its Conductor/Musical Director in August 2011.

Helen began her musical studies playing the violin and piano. Whilst at school Helen joined the Lancashire Student's Symphony Orchestra and went on to lead the orchestra.  Helen has never forgotten the thrilling experience of briefly conducting this orchestra to test the acoustic properties of the hall; this fired Helen's ambition to become a conductor.

Prior to continuing her musical studies at Cambridge University Helen took a year out to work as a peripatetic violin teacher for Lancashire Music Service.  This provided excellent opportunities to develop her conducting skills and experience working with young ensembles.

Whilst at Corpus Christi College, Helen conducted various orchestras and ensembles.She also pursued her violin studies with Jacqueline Hartley, former associate leader of the BBC Symphony Orchestra.  As a violinist in the University Chamber Orchestra Helen played under the baton of conductors including Daniel Harding, Douglas Boyd, James Judd, Jane Glover and Sian Edwards.  Helen's musicological specialisms include the symphonies of the Danish composer Carl Nielsen and Beethoven's late string quartets.

Helen has played violin with numerous local orchestras across the country and also in Japan and the USA. She is pleased to perform with various amateur orchestras in the North West and is frequently engaged to play with a diverse range of choral, operatic and musical societies.  Helen also has a keen interest in chamber music and solo works and is regularly asked to perform at various concerts.  As a proficient pianist Helen enjoys accompanying a wide range of instrumentalists and singers.

In addition to her musical pursuits, Helen is a qualified accountant and also serves as a trustee for Lancashire Mind; an organisation providing mental health support services county wide.

Helen is delighted to be appointed as the Musical Director and Conductor of Blackpool Symphony Orchestra and is looking forward to working with the Orchestra.