Diva are four friends who met through their love of female barbershop, whilst singing with Aberdeen Chorus.
Charlene Leppard – Lead
Charlene is a Aberdeen-based vocalist with over two decades of experience across the North East music scene. Known for her, powerful lead vocals, Charlene has fronted popular Aberdeen based bands, currently, The Fundamentals wedding and function band, as well as Northern Soul Story.
In 2023, Charlene joined the Aberdeen Chorus of Sweet Adelines as lead, now performing with Diva Quartet and delighted to continue her versatile music journey.
Claire Leetham – Bass
Claire grew up in a musical family, learning cello and piano before beginning her singing career in the early ’90s in NE Scotland with the bands Souled on Blues and Souled Asylum. After moving to Australia in the early 2000s, she expanded into musical theatre, performing in Cats, Oliver!, and South Pacific. She later became lead vocalist for Urban Myth whilst living in Malaysia.
Returning home in 2022, Claire joined the Aberdeen Chorus and discovered a love for female barbershop. In 2023, she co-founded the quartet Diva! with Ruth, Cécile, and Charlene, continuing her ever-evolving musical journey with 3 fabulous friends.
Cécile Pichavant – Baritone
French-born, harmony-obsessed, and raised on my granny’s endless songs — that’s me, Cécile! After landing in Aberdeen and discovering Sweet Adelines, I fell head-over-heels for barbershop (baritone spice included). So when the chance came to start a brand-new quartet, I jumped in with zero hesitation and maximum joy. Now we’re gearing up for regional competition, and I’m buzzing with a mix of excitement and “what-have-I-done” energy. Couldn’t ask for better partners in harmony than these three amazing women.
Ruth Christie – Tenor
Ruth spent most of her childhood in Melton Mowbray, playing the flute and singing in a range of school and community choirs. After graduating from university, she moved to Scotland and joined the Edinburgh University Chorus as a soprano, enjoying traditional choral repertoire. A highlight of this period was the chorus’s memorable tour of Norway.
A move to Aberdeen in 2012 coincided with the arrival of her twins, putting singing on hold and it wasn’t until over a decade later that music called her back. In 2024 she joined a FUNdamentals singing course run by Aberdeen Chorus which led her to the wonderful world of barbershop!
Since joining, Ruth has embraced her role as a tenor in the Chorus, and with the formation of Diva! she is now enjoying the thrill, challenge and joy of singing in a quartet with a fantastic group of women!
