Helen Storey

Biography

After spending her childhood living in Devon Helen moved to London at the age of 16 to study at the Purcell School, continuing her studies at the Royal Academy of Music and the Vienna Hochschule fur Musik. Whilst learning with David Chatterton, John Orford, Rachel Gough and Milan Turkovic Helen explored a love of many different musical styles.

In 2024 Helen took up the role of 2nd bassoon at the London Philharmonic Orchestra. This includes the residency at the South Bank Centre, international touring, and the Summer season at Glyndebourne Opera. Prior to this position Helen was in the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for 23 busy and exciting years. As a 2nd bassoon specialist Helen has been fortunate enough to play next to, and support, a huge number of inspiring principal players, hearing hundreds of versions of the orchestral solos!  She is also a founder member of the Galliard Ensemble (wind quintet) which performs regularly both nationally and internationally. The group has achieved critical acclaim for both its performances and CD recordings. 

Outside of the LPO Helen freelances with the LSO, RPO. Royal Opera House, ENO, and OAE. 

Helen joined the bassoon department at the Guildhall in 2010, as a 1-1 teacher as well as coaching chamber music and conducting repertoire sessions.  She has recently taught at the Purcell School, NYO courses, Chethams, Royal Academy of Music and various universities. 

When not attached to a bassoon Helen enjoys a hectic home life of kids, cat, and Cookie the dog.