Introducing our 2025 Trainee Trustee Cohort

Eleanor is an applied theatre practitioner who has worked with young people in schools, youth groups and community settings across London and beyond, having gained an MA in Applied Theatre at Central School of Speech and Drama. She is passionate about widening access to creative opportunities for young people facing challenges and enjoys delivering projects that centre joy, creative expression and community-building.

Eleanor says:

“Though I’ve worked in the charity sector for many years, I’ve never been in a board meeting, which feels like I’m missing a big piece of the puzzle. I’m grateful to Spitalfields Music for accepting me on the Trainee Trustee scheme and am looking forward to learning from the board, wider team and my fellow trainee trustees!”

Isabella currently leads the education and outreach programme, Inspire, at Opera Holland Park where she manages a portfolio of projects designed to widen access to the arts. Prior to this, she worked as an arts educator in primary schools, alongside performing in community tours which first sparked her love of community engagement work. When not running the programme, Isabella is a school governor for a primary school in West London and enjoys performing with the BBC Symphony Chorus and London Musical Theatre Chorus. She holds an MA in Music Theatre from Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and BA from King’s College London.

Isabella is delighted to be part of the Spitalfields Trainee Trustee scheme and looks forward to learning more about the valuable role trustees play in a charity’s success.

Alissa’s life has been deeply shaped by the arts, a passion nurtured by her mother, who is an artist. During her childhood, she had the privilege of participating in programmes run by organisations such as the Roundhouse, Brixton House, and Raw Material.

Her love for the arts has continued into adulthood and she has worked for organisations like the Southbank Centre, Donmar Warehouse, the V&A, and the Crafts Council. In her free time, she enjoys immersing herself in exhibitions, theatre performances, and film screenings.

Alissa is thrilled to be part of the Spitalfields Music Trainee Trustee scheme and looks forward to learning from the board and the wider team.

Natalie’s interest in community music developed during her undergraduate studies at the University of Sheffield, culminating in a dissertation about community choirs. Her academic journey continued with an MA in Ethnomusicology, deepening her understanding of musical communities and cultures around the world.

Natalie’s professional experience spans both the arts and higher education sectors. She currently works in marketing and communications at a university. As someone with a background in music who works in East London, Natalie is excited to work with Spitalfields Music and to learn more about the charity sector.

Pia is a London-based composer, vocalist and producer, having studied at the University of Cambridge and Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She has crafted sound designs for the Almeida Theatre, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and Immediate Theatre, and has composed music for ensembles including Britten Sinfonia, Ligeti Quartet and the Orkest de Ereprijs. Her performance highlights span global venues like the Shanghai Symphony Hall and the Sagrada Família, as well as the acclaimed London Jazz Festival. Pia is also a festival coordinator specialising in accessibility, programming and community outreach.

Pia says:

“I’m looking forward to learning more about charity governance within Spitalfields Music and beyond, with the ultimate goal of starting my own organisation one day. As an early-career practitioner working holistically across several corners of the arts, the opportunity to engage in conversations regarding Spitalfields Music’s community impact will be an invaluable experience.”