Chrysalis Arts Trust

		Elaine Brown started learning the piano when she was seven and can remember being made to practise religiously every day with the timer on to make sure she didn't cheat. All those scales and arpeggios helped, because after leaving Hayes Grammar School, she then went to Trinity College of Music in London, where she studied piano and singing. After marrying her husband Derek, she then trained to teach primary school children. Once she had produced and raised her own musical trio of Carl, Neil and Amy, she returned to classroom and private piano teaching. Her performing has ranged in style from Classical to Jazz and Pop and as Pianist at her local church, The King's Church Amersham she was often seen playing for Worship Services. Her only claim to fame is that she was the first English girl to sing with the American Continental singers in 1976. As a Musical Director she has directed more children's and church productions than she can remember! Elaine joined Chrysalis in 1996 and is now a member of the Cabaret Team, Main Team, Management Committee and heads up the new Youth Team. She loves Purple and dislikes men moaning about Purple Shirts!!

		Mandy Watsham has appeared as Carlotta in Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre. She has appeared as lead soprano on the National Strauss gala tour. Films include playing a murdered opera singer(!) for the National film councils production of 'Stain'. She studied at Morley Opera College and has won many awards for her singing. Her love of Opera, Operetta and Musicals has led her to play many leading roles at professional theatres nation-wide including ‘Queen of the Night’- The Magic Flute, Olympia – Tales of Hoffman, Micaela – Carmen, Marenka – Bartered Bride, Anna Glavari – The Merry Widow, Eurydice – Orpheus in the Underworld, Mabel – Pirates of Penzance, Magnolia – Showboat, Julie – Carousel and Lucy – Bless the Bride. Her main work has been in Christian Music Ministry. She has toured extensively throughout the world as soloist with Luis Palau Evangelistic Association, Adoramous Choir and Orchestra, Continental Singers and Orchestra and Chrysalis Arts Trust – a charity she co-founded that works with Churches all over the world presenting cabaret style outreach events. Mandy has been guest soloist for numerous events and organisations including ‘The Time for London’ at The Royal Albert Hall, The All Souls Orchestra, The National Methodist Conference, National Christian Booksellers Conventions, Billy Graham Eastern European evangelistic conference and the Westminster Central Hall September 11th memorial service. In 1999 she made her television debut appearing on ITV’s ‘Sunday Morning’ performing several songs, including some of her own compositions, which were televised throughout the series. An accomplished author and songwriter, she has co written two resource books ‘Cracking the Church Cocoon’ and ‘Sketches and Songs’ published by Harper Collins, and has sung on numerous recordings. As half of the ‘Soulmates’ duo, she has released three of her own albums.

		Nicki Matthews has been singing since the age of fourteen and since then has taken lead roles in many musical shows and concerts of varying styles of music. She is also very involved in worship and evangelism in her own church and others nationwide. As Director of Programming for successful monthly cabaret evening, she puts together all aspects of the programme including music, drama and all other media, and is responsible for all production. She is the founder member of a group set up to put on shows to raise money for charity and produces and directs their shows as well as performing in them. In addition to which she performs and choreographs shows for other companies.

		Fiona Gillett read music at the University of Huddersfield studying piano, 'cello and composition. She has pursued a freelance career including a world premiere at the Harrogate International Music Festival, toured with Cliff Richard, Les Miserables, and the British Philharmonic. Fiona has performed Vivaldi's Double 'Cello concerto at the African Embassy, Athens at the start of the Olympics 2004, and Elgar's 'cello concerto to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of WW2. Fiona plays with the English National Orchestra, Adoramus, the Eleos Ensemble and the All Souls orchestra, and has also recorded for BBC television, radio and Chrysalis Arts Trust. Fiona also travels extensively as an examiner for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. She is married to Tim, and between them they try to control Maddy their red setter, although both agree all her faults are their mistakes!