Hari Birtles
Hari’s musical journey began at an early age, singing almost as soon as she could talk. She then learned to play piano and trumpet to a high level. Her love of close harmony probably hails from years of being submerged in the music of The Beach Boys, The Mamas and Papas and the Beatles as she grew up, becoming word perfect and singing all the parts!
Hari trained in Musical Theatre and began directing choirs and arranging a cappella music whilst still in school. She established and directed a choir at Cardiff University, successfully raising money for Cancer charities through performances of the songs she arranged.
After leaving university Hari directed the ‘Ivy League’, the Girls’ National Barbershop Youth Chorus for over seven years. She was the Assistant Musical Director for a national gold medal chorus as well as leading and coaching choruses and quartets in singing and performance. She has continued to arrange music for groups across the world and for Harmony InSpires who really enjoy singing her arrangements.
In 2011, Hari won the Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers (LABBS) Gillian Depledge Lowe award for “Inspirational Leadership and Dedication” for her services to LABBS, the Education and Judging Committee and the National Youth Chorus. Then in 2012 Hari won the Pride of Buckinghamshire Young Person’s Award for “being an inspiration and for her dedication to music and youth in the UK”.
By day Hari works in Program Management, leading the Program Management Office for a global aerospace company and travelling worldwide as a trainer of best practices.
Hari took up her position directing Harmony InSpires in November 2019. Who could have known what was around the corner? Life became crazy and rehearsals were virtual!
She led the chorus through that Covid era, teaching new songs and even having an ‘online’ learn to sing programme, gaining many new chorus members.
With her instinctive, inspirational style and her off-beat humour, Hari motivates others to want to do their best and succeed.
Hari leads a happy, motivated, supportive choir. She has taken the chorus to success at numerous music festivals and at the Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers annual conventions.
