Case Study: Empowering conductors with Epiphoni’s collaborative workshop model

 
Client Overview
The Epiphoni Consort was founded in 2014 by Tim Reader to bridge the gap between amateur and professional choral singing in London. Its singers are highly trained musicians who now pursue careers in other sectors, bringing both professionalism and perspective to the group’s music-making.
The choir has earned recognition both at home and internationally, most recently winning the Grand Prix in Tallinn, and previously placing in competitions such as Tenebrae’s Locus Iste, the London International A Cappella Choir Competition, and the Derry International Choir Festival. They’ve appeared on BBC television and released three acclaimed recordings on Delphian Records. Known for bold programming and high-quality performances, Epiphoni also champions musical development and leadership, values that shaped their inaugural Professional Conductors’ Workshop.
 
The challenge
This event was a new venture for Epiphoni, a carefully curated experience aimed at conductors who had already passed the beginner stage and were looking to refine their craft, trial techniques, or prepare for future engagements.
The team needed a marketing and communications strategy that would:
  • Attract the right calibre of applicants without alienating those earlier in their journey
  • Position the workshop as a premium, professional development experience
  • Communicate the unique value of working with a high-level ensemble in a constructive and candid environment
  • Build long-term engagement with Epiphoni's expanding professional network of conductors
The challenge was to launch and fill a niche, high-trust event, with no direct precedent and to do so while maintaining Epiphoni’s high artistic standards and warm, people-centred ethos.
 
Our approach
We developed and delivered a comprehensive marketing plan for the Conductors’ Workshop, from early brand positioning through to content production, social promotion, and direct outreach.
 
Content planning & production
We created a strategy that would:
  • Clearly explain the unique aspects of the workshop (e.g. real-time feedback, 1:1 coaching)
  • Showcase the calibre of the facilitating team and ensemble
  • Use testimonials, video content (by Lucy Gaster), and photography to bring the workshop to life visually
Campaign execution
  • Targeted email campaigns to Epiphoni’s existing network.
  • Social media rollout over six weeks, including teaser content, behind-the-scenes insights, and countdown reminders
  • Direct outreach to partner organisations, conductor networks, and postgraduate alumni groups
  • A clear, user-friendly application process that reflected the premium but accessible nature of the event
  • Regular check-ins with the Epiphoni team to track response, adjust messaging, and ensure real-time clarity
Results
  • All participant slots filled ahead of the final deadline, with strong representation across professional and semi-professional conductors
  • Excellent engagement across digital channels, including increased Instagram reach, and enquiries from new contacts
Client Feedback
“We were thrilled by the response. This was a new format for us, and the way it was positioned attracted exactly the kind of people we were hoping for. We now have several new conductors on our radar for future collaborations. Working with Simply IC was seamless, they were thoughtful, proactive, and genuinely invested in the project’s success from start to finish.”
— Tim Reader, Founder & Artistic Director, Epiphoni 
Conclusion
The Professional Conductors’ Workshop exemplifies how thoughtful planning, collaborative messaging, and purpose-driven outreach can create powerful professional development experiences. By aligning brand, values, and practical communication, we helped Epiphoni launch a new initiative and strengthen its position as a choir that not only performs at the highest level but invests in the future of choral leadership. This workshop laid the groundwork for a scalable, repeatable model, one that we look forward to supporting in years to come.