The Cecilia Consort benefits greatly from Janet’s worldwide professional singing experience.
Since graduating from London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Janet has worked professionally as a solo artist and consort singer. Whilst specialising in Early Music and performing with many of the UK’s leading ensembles, her musical versatility boasts many other genres and musical styles and she has worked closely with Norfolk-based composer, Patrick Hawes, on many of his original works. Their first album Blue In Blue drew critical acclaim with Janet’s voice being described as ‘melting honey on freshly buttered toast’ (BBC Radio 3). Her ‘bell-like tones’ (Financial Times) are often heard on TV, film and radio as well as on numerous classical and pop CDs. Janet enjoyed 23 wonderful years with the Tallis Scholars and performed in more than 900 concerts world-wide with this world-renowned ensemble. She continues to perform and record but her love of teaching means she spends more time in the UK these days. Janet is Head of Choral Studies at Cheam School and enjoys working with her ever increasing ‘family’ of students and choristers.
“It has been a very happy 25 years filled with magical musical moments... ”- Janet Coxwell, on the Consort's 25th anniversary
Janet and David Woodcock (Head of Music at Harrow School) have directed the Early Music Academy, a hugely successful, week-long summer school, since 2015. After the inevitable interruptions of the pandemic, EMA resumed in 2022, only to find, like many musical courses, that it was no longer financially viable, so in the summer of 2024 they closed their doors. Janet hopes to run some weekend courses in the not-too-distant future, so watch this space!
As well as a busy performing schedule, Janet enjoys adjudicating choral competitions, leading singing master classes and running choral workshops, she especially loves working with and training amateur singers. She lives in Highclere (Downton Abbey land) and has enjoyed a long and fruitful association with several Newbury based choirs including Newbury Choral Society
Janet's photo by Simon Crompton-Reid.