MEET THE CHOIRFEST JURY
We are thrilled to announce the talented and diverse jury of music professionals to ChoirFest Middle East 2025. The jury members include renowned conductors, composers, and vocal coaches who will lend their ears and expertise to evaluate the awe-inspiring performances of the participating choirs, selecting the most outstanding acts, and providing invaluable feedback to all the singers.
Get ready for a spectacular display of musical talent and an unforgettable experience at ChoirFest 2025!



Rob Johnston
Junior, Senior and Adult Competition Juror
Rob Johnston is a renowned director, conductor, singer, and vocal coach who has conducted his own choir for movie soundtracks including Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. Performing as a tenor soloist worldwide, he has graced iconic venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, Dubai Opera and the Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires. He is also a sought-after vocal coach and is no stranger to judging for prestigious music competitions, sharing his knowledge at the Council of British International Schools Virtual Music Competition Grand Final and the Young Musician of The Gulf competition.
Drew Scott
Currently full time working at Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, Sharjah, multiple award-winning music director, pianist and producer, Drew has worked across the globe. As music director, he won South Africa’s leading theatrical award for Best Musical Director for the South African production of 'Into the Woods', with two further nominations for 'Loving You'. He has experience working with leading artists from Broadway, the West End and with clients including Sony Music and the BBC. Drew works as a vocal coach, audition pianist including casting for We Will Rock You and Phantom of the Opera.
Kathleen Bell
Adult Competition Juror
Soprano Kathleen Bell has traveled extensively performing in operas, orchestra concerts, voice recitals, contemporary worship, and cabarets of classical voice and musical theatre repertoire throughout the US, Denmark, Germany, Italy Austria, Australia, and the UAE. Her stage performance credits include La Contessa in Le Nozze di Figaro, Adele in Die Fledermaus, Miss Warbelwellin The Impressario and Mother Superior in The Sound of Music. Kathleen’s teaching career spans three decades as a singing voice specialist, conductor, music theory and history teacher privately and numerous institutions.


Ange Johnston
Junior Competition Juror
Ange is a highly respected vocal coach with over two decades of experience in London. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, she specializes in vocal technique, confidence-building, and dramatic interpretation, tailoring her approach to each student’s unique voice. Sought after for her expertise in vocal transitions and audition preparation, she has guided students into top Performing Arts Academies and successful careers in the West End and beyond. "Your dream is my dream." This mantra guides her work, ensuring that every student—regardless of their starting point—is met with support, expert guidance, and a path to discovering their own voice.
Damon Dandrige
Senior Competition Juror
An innovative Professor of Music/Director of Choral Activities, Damon is committed to the development of musicianship and professionalism as well as the artistic evolution of choral music rooted in secular and sacred music with dedication to Ethnic/Multicultural music. Hand-picked to foster curricula and research across the arts by developing diverse and innovative repertoire, projects, and concert experiences. Damon is an exceptional conductor-educator with demonstrated capacity to provide leadership, vision and imagination for both collegiate and community-based choral areas.