Meet the Trustees: Philip Beck

Secretary, ChoirBLAST

Behind every charity there is a group of people quietly helping to guide the bigger picture, and one of those is ChoirBLAST trustee Philip Beck, who serves as the charity’s Secretary.

Phil came to singing relatively recently, discovering a love of music in 2012. Since then, it has become a central part of his life. In 2017 he joined the ATOM choir family and quickly found himself immersed in the joy and community that comes with singing together. In recent years his musical journey has continued to grow, and in 2021 he began learning the piano, adding another dimension to his passion for music.

Although he began singing later in life, Phil has always had a strong connection to music. He has long enjoyed attending live performances, particularly jazz and funk-infused soul, and brings that deep-rooted appreciation with him into everything he does with ChoirBLAST.

Before music took centre stage, Phil built a long and varied professional career. Originally trained as a petroleum engineer, he worked in both onshore and offshore field operations before moving into senior consultancy roles within the oil industry. Over the years he held a number of senior management and directorship positions, developing particular expertise in negotiation, commercial agreements, financing and international relations.

That career also took him all over the world. Phil has travelled to more than seventy countries, giving him a wide perspective and an appreciation of different cultures and communities.

Today he brings that global outlook and wealth of professional experience to the ChoirBLAST board, helping the charity navigate the practical and strategic decisions that sit behind the festival’s success. As Secretary, he plays an important role in supporting the smooth running and governance of the charity, often working quietly behind the scenes.

Festival-goers may also spot Phil helping out during the event itself, where he plays a key role overseeing health and safety and supporting the logistical side of the day to ensure everything runs smoothly for performers and audiences alike.

And of course, like many involved with ChoirBLAST, Phil does not just organise the music. He enjoys performing it too. At performance evenings he is known for delivering a rather impressive rendition of Frank Sinatra, and when it comes to theatre trips into London’s West End, Phil is usually the one taking charge of the planning and organisation. Some habits, it seems, are hard to shake.

Away from ChoirBLAST, Phil enjoys spending time with younger generations, especially his four grandchildren, something he feels helps keep his outlook fresh and forward-looking.

For Phil, ChoirBLAST captures something special: the simple power of people coming together to sing. It is a celebration not only of music, but of community, and he is proud to play a part in helping that happen.