Susannah Edom-Baker grew up in Suffolk and developed a deep passion for music from an early age. At Ipswich High School, she studied music to ‘A’ level, mastering piano, violin, and clarinet. She continued her studies at Bulmershe College in Berkshire, where she earned a Bachelor of Education in Music and Psychology. During her time at Bulmershe, Susannah was fortunate to study under inspirational tutors, including John Dingle (clarinet) and Eric Parkin (piano), through whom she developed a love for English piano composers such as John Ireland.
While at college, Susannah was a member of the internationally acclaimed Bulmershe Girls Choir, directed by Gwyn Arch. This choir achieved great success in prestigious competitions such as the Llangollen Eisteddfod, the BBC’s "Let the People Sing," and the Cork International Festival. The choir toured extensively across the USA, Finland, Sweden, Germany, and Austria, and performed at iconic venues like the Royal Festival Hall and Royal Albert Hall, as well as on television and radio. These experiences ignited Susannah’s enduring passion for choral music and conducting.
After graduating, Susannah returned to Suffolk to teach and immerse herself further in the local music scene. She continued her piano and vocal studies and worked as an accompanist for singers and choirs, including the Olive Quantrill Singers. She led school choirs to the finals of the National Festival of Music for Youth and was involved with the Aldeburgh Festival at Snape Maltings, directing youth choirs in performances of Benjamin Britten’s St. Nicholas and a programme titled Wagner zu Hause.
Susannah’s career progressed as she moved to Chelmsford, Essex, where she took on leadership roles, including running the Chelmsford County Music School and founding the Boreham Ladies Choir, which she conducted for ten years. She also co-founded the Stour Valley Singers in 1989 with pianist Susi Morrow, a choir she continues to cherish and direct. Alongside her leadership roles, Susannah has maintained an active role as a pianist and accompanist for the Chelmsford Music Festival and local musicals in Sudbury, Witham, and Chelmsford.
Her commitment to community and charitable work is exemplified by her long-standing involvement with Barnardos. For over a decade, she has served as musical director for their annual Young Supporters concerts at the Royal Albert Hall and has conducted concerts at prestigious venues including Lambeth Palace, Chatsworth, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Wembley Arena. In recognition of her dedication, Susannah was honoured with The President’s Certificate of Appreciation from Barnardos, presented by HRH the Duchess of Cornwall.
Currently, Susannah serves as CEO of Attain Academy Trust and Director of the Chelmsford Teaching Schools Alliance. Despite her demanding leadership roles, she continues to foster a love of singing and music in people of all ages, nurturing local choirs and musical theatre productions with warmth and enthusiasm. Her passion for music and education remains a driving force in her life, inspiring many within her community.