Helen grew up on the south coast of England and studied at Chetham’s School of Music and Guildhall School of Music & Drama. In 2005 she was appointed Principal Piccolo of Monterrey Symphony Orchestra in Mexico. The following year she relocated to Mexico City where she worked until 2012 with Mexico City Philharmonic, Mexico State Symphony Orchestra, Bellas Artes Chamber Orchestra, Bellas Artes Opera Orchestra and Camerata de las Américas. In 2007 Helen joined Minería Symphony Orchestra as Principal Piccolo and held the Principal Flute position from 2009-2012.

Helen then returned to Europe to undertake a master’s degree at the Swedish National Orchestra Academy in Gothenburg, studying flute with Håvard Lysebo and piccolo in Oslo with Andrew Cunningham. During her two years in Sweden she worked regularly with Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, Gothenburg Opera Orchestra and Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra.

Helen then joined the Oslo Philharmonic in 2014. During her eight years in Norway she was a regular guest Principal Flute with the Norwegian Radio Orchestra and also had the opportunity to work with the Norwegian Opera Orchestra, Norwegian Chamber Orchestra and Bergen Philharmonic. Helen was also the flautist of the Oslo Philharmonic Wind Quintet as well as the contemporary music group Ensemble Temporum and had the role of woodwind coach for the Palestinian Youth Orchestra in 2016 and 2019. More recently Helen has appeared as guest Principal Piccolo with both the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Philharmonia in London.

Outside music Helen has enjoyed studying several languages on her travels as well as training in nutrition and therapeutic massage. She loves cooking, yoga, swimming in the sea (and fjords!), walking in nature, watching great films and theatre and spending time with friends. After seventeen years living abroad Helen is very excited to be back in the U.K. embarking on a new chapter with CBSO!