Suzi Digby, OBE, is one of Britain’s most influential choral conductors and music educators, renowned for her passionate advocacy of music as a transformative force in education, culture, and community life. Born Susan Elizabeth Digby in 1958, her career has spanned continents, from Asia to Europe and North America, touching countless lives through innovative music projects and pioneering approaches to choral training. Her work seamlessly combines the rigour of classical tradition with a vision for accessibility, ensuring that music reaches audiences and participants of all backgrounds.
Early Life and Musical Roots
Suzi Digby’s life story is as vibrant as her career. Born in Japan and raised in multiple countries, including Mexico, the Philippines, and Hong Kong, she was exposed to diverse cultures and musical traditions from an early age. This multicultural upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for the universality of music and its power to bridge differences.
She pursued formal studies at King’s College London, specialising in music, piano, and singing. It was during these formative years that she began to develop the skills and musical philosophies that would later define her career. Her training included advanced study in choral conducting, which became the foundation of her lifelong work.
Career Beginnings and Global Influence
Before her work in the UK, Digby spent significant time in Asia, where she hosted an arts television series and actively participated as a broadcaster and performer. Her ability to communicate the joy of music to both live and broadcast audiences became a hallmark of her career.
In 1990, she was awarded the prestigious Winston Churchill Fellowship, enabling her to explore international choral training methods. This journey included studying under Péter Erdei at the Franz Liszt Academy in Budapest, Hungary—an experience that significantly shaped her approach to music education.
Founding The Voices Foundation
In 1993, Suzi Digby founded The Voices Foundation, a national music education charity in the UK dedicated to improving the standard of music teaching in primary schools. The foundation is built upon the Kodály method, a Hungarian approach that emphasises learning music through singing and a deep understanding of musical literacy.
Under her leadership, The Voices Foundation transformed music teaching in numerous schools, empowering teachers with training and resources while giving children the opportunity to develop their musical abilities from an early age. This initiative earned Digby wide recognition as a visionary in music education.
Establishing New Choral Platforms
Suzi Digby’s career has been defined by her ability to identify gaps in the choral world and fill them with imaginative, high-quality solutions. She has founded and directed numerous ensembles and initiatives, each with its own unique mission:
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Voce Chamber Choir – Established in 2003, this London-based professional ensemble quickly gained a reputation for excellence in performance and interpretation.
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London Youth Choir – Founded to provide a pathway for young singers from across London’s boroughs, this choir’s tiered structure offers opportunities for children and teenagers of all skill levels.
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Vocal Futures – Created to engage young adults with classical music, Vocal Futures offers immersive experiences, often combining traditional repertoire with innovative performance formats.
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Singing4Success – A corporate training programme using music and singing to enhance leadership, creativity, and teamwork in professional environments.
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ORA Singers – Formed in 2016, this professional vocal consort is acclaimed for commissioning contemporary choral works inspired by Renaissance masterpieces, creating a dialogue between old and new.
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The Golden Bridge – Launched in California in 2014, this ensemble bridges Renaissance choral traditions with modern compositions, performed by some of the finest professional singers in the United States.
Commitment to Education and Young People
A constant theme in Suzi Digby’s work is her commitment to nurturing young talent and ensuring that music education is accessible to all. Her initiatives have given thousands of children the chance to discover and develop their musical abilities. She has long argued that music education is not a luxury but an essential part of a well-rounded curriculum, capable of improving cognitive development, emotional well-being, and social skills.
Academic and Teaching Roles
In addition to her work as a conductor and founder, Digby has held several prestigious academic positions. She is a Visiting Professor in Choral Studies at the University of Southern California, one of America’s leading music institutions. Her teaching style blends technical excellence with an infectious enthusiasm for choral singing.
She has also served as Acting Music Director at Queens’ College, Cambridge, where she inspired student musicians to push artistic boundaries while maintaining the highest standards of performance.
Awards and Honours
Suzi Digby’s contributions to music and education have been recognised at the highest levels. In 2007, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to music education. This honour reflected her decades-long commitment to improving access to high-quality music training and performance opportunities.
Her projects have also won numerous accolades. The “Youth Messiah” initiative at the Royal Albert Hall, featuring over 2,000 young singers, was awarded Best Classical Music Education Initiative by Classic FM. In 2024, ORA Singers won the German Record Critics’ Award for their album Sanctissima.
High-Profile Performances and Collaborations
Suzi Digby has conducted in many of the UK’s most prestigious venues, including the Royal Albert Hall, St John’s Smith Square, and St Martin-in-the-Fields. She has led performances with orchestras such as the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the London Mozart Players.
Her versatility is evident in her collaborations beyond the classical sphere. Notably, she coordinated choirs for The Rolling Stones’ 50th anniversary tour, proving her ability to adapt her skills to a wide range of musical contexts.
Championing Contemporary Choral Music
Through ORA Singers, Digby has become a powerful advocate for new choral composition. She has commissioned dozens of works from contemporary composers, ensuring that choral music remains a living, evolving art form. The ensemble’s approach—pairing each new piece with a related Renaissance work—offers audiences fresh perspectives on both historical and modern repertoire.
Global Outreach and Cultural Exchange
Her career reflects a commitment to international cultural exchange. Whether through The Golden Bridge in California or educational outreach in Asia and Europe, Suzi Digby has consistently sought to connect people through shared musical experiences. This global vision is rooted in her own multicultural background and her belief in music as a universal language.
Media and Broadcasting
Digby has also been a prominent figure in music broadcasting. She has appeared as a judge on popular programmes such as BBC’s Last Choir Standing and Cardiff Singer of the World, bringing her expertise to a wide television audience. Her appearances help demystify classical music and showcase its relevance to modern culture.
Adapting to the Digital Era
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Digby demonstrated adaptability by embracing digital platforms. One of her most memorable pandemic projects was a globally livestreamed 40-part choral performance staged in the Turbine Hall of Tate Modern. This event brought together singers from around the world, highlighting her ability to unite communities even in times of physical separation.
Philosophy and Vision
At the heart of Suzi Digby’s work lies a philosophy that music should be inclusive, transformative, and relevant to the present day. She believes in the importance of connecting the artistic heritage of the past with the creative possibilities of the future. This vision shapes her approach to programming, education, and community engagement.
Lasting Impact on the Choral World
Few individuals have done as much as Suzi Digby to advance the cause of choral music in the UK and beyond. Her initiatives have brought music into schools, inspired professional musicians, and expanded audiences for classical choral repertoire. She has demonstrated that with imagination, determination, and a commitment to excellence, music can have a profound and lasting impact on society.
Conclusion
Suzi Digby’s career is a testament to the power of music to inspire, educate, and unite. From founding groundbreaking choirs to mentoring young musicians and commissioning new works, she has reshaped the choral landscape. Her dedication to both tradition and innovation ensures that choral music remains vibrant and accessible for generations to come. In the world of music education and performance, her name stands as a symbol of passion, excellence, and transformative vision.
