Nicole is a professional opera singer based in St. Helens. Originally from Liverpool, she graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff with a Masters of Music Vocal Degree in 2021. She further honed her skills at the European Opera Academy, Luigi Cherubini Conservatorio in Florence, Italy, and completed a PGCE in Secondary Education at the Royal Northern College of Music.
Nicole joins HMVC as the 11th MD in the choir’s history, her tenure starting in January 2025.
Ruth started to learn the piano at the age of five, and later took up the tenor horn and the violin at secondary school and joined the Devon Youth Orchestra. Studying at the RNCM, she graduated in 2003 with a First Class, honours degree, following this with a Postgraduate Diploma, awarded with distinction. She continued her studies for yet another year, as a piano accompaniment scholar, studying with Carole Presland.
While at the RNCM, Ruth joined fellow student Kathryn Eves to form the Hollick-Eves Duo giving recitals throughout the UK and farther afield, performing successfully at competitions and festivals. Amongst their many awards, they gained the RNCM’s highest performing qualification, the “Professional Performance diploma” with Distinction. Ruth has performed extensively as a soloist, chamber musician and accompanist working with many organisations and in renowned venues.
Ruth has been an integral part of the music team at Haydock for nearly 15 years, Haydock will always be indebted to Ruth for her talents, patience and professionalism.
