Originally from Dunedin, Helen Lee (née Bevin) studied at the New Zealand School of Music under Gillian Ansell, winning the university’s concerto competition and a number of awards including the prestigious Pettman/ROSL Arts International Scholarship. Moving to London, she gained a Masters of Music with Distinction from Guildhall School of Music & Drama in 2011, studying with Rachel Roberts. She then freelanced with such orchestras as the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Britten Sinfonia (Guest Principal) and Philharmonia Orchestra, touring extensively throughout Europe and China.

Helen has played solo and chamber recitals throughout New Zealand and the UK, including recitals at St Martin in the Fields, the National Portrait Gallery and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She has attended IMS Prussia Cove, Thy Masterclass and Moritzburg Festival Academy, and while studying was Principal Viola with the NZSO National Youth Orchestra and Australian National Music Camp. At just 24 she was appointed Solo Viola with the Lahti Symphony Orchestra in Finland, recording several Sibelius symphonies in their renowned Sibelius Hall (Sibeliustalo) and touring internationally before returning home to New Zealand to join the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra viola section.