Meet the Trustees
We are governed by a Board of Trustees who are all volunteers for the Thames Opera Company.
The Board of Trustees has ultimate responsibility for Thames Opera Company's vision, activities and performance and sets the strategic direction of the charity. Trustees also contribute their knowledge, expertise and experience to the many complex issues the organisation faces and play a vital role in our charity's work. They meet regularly to discuss our governance and operations.
Some Trustees have specific roles within the chorus, as outlined below.
Matt Smith
Chair
Artistic Vision • Fundraising • Policy
Matt is a certified opera nut with a real love of the art, especially if it is long, difficult and German. He is also a passionate and professional fundraiser with over 13 years' experience in charity management and strategy. Thames Opera manages the difficult job of combining both of these loves!
When not watching or singing opera, or raising funds for good causes, Matt can often be found playing the ukulele badly, much to his wife's displeasure. He is also a huge fan of film, live music, cocktails, comedy and the Welsh Rugby team.
Allen Jones
Vice Chair
Charity Liaison • Finance Liaison • Membership
Having sung with ROHTCC for over ten years, Allen was shocked when Covid brought about the sudden withdrawal of funding and the chorus being disbanded. Realising that something important would be lost and determined to continue the singing, camaraderie and benefits of operatic music to members and community alike, he instigated the formation of the Thames Opera Company of which he is proud to be a founding director and trustee.
His ambition is to see TOC develop, build and become something really special in the Thames area and beyond.
Irene Hamilton
Publicity • Recruitment
Irene has enjoyed many years of singing with the Chorus, since it began as Royal Opera House Thurrock Community Choir and its instigation as Thames Opera Company.
She believes it is an important part of social cohesion and offers great opportunities to increase mental and physical health.
Jacqueline Robertson
Marketing • Website
Jac was trained by Howard Milner FRAM, a professional tenor, author and internationally renowned vocal coach who taught at the Royal Academy of Music and was previously Professor of Singing at the Birmingham Conservatoire.
She has performed professionally at many top hotels in London including The Dorchester, Grosvenor House, Café Royal, The Waldorf and around the UK including The Brighton Centre.