Helen O’Hara is a violinist, composer, musical director and arranger known for her work with Dexys Midnight Runners, Tanita Tikaram and Tim Burgess.

Helen was brought up on a mix of classical and pop music, but it was pop that ruled her heart. Helen quickly rose through the ranks in youth orchestras, but at seventeen she rebelled, left school and joined a progressive rock band. At twenty-one, she was back in college studying classical violin. In her post-graduate year she was headhunted by Dexys Midnight Runners to play on the album Too-Rye-Ay. Declining an offer from the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra, Helen joined Dexys instead. Weeks later ‘Come On Eileen’ was number one in the UK charts.

Helen co-wrote and co-produced Dexys critically acclaimed album, Don’t Stand Me Down and their hit single ‘Because of You’ which was also the theme tune for the BBC TV series, Brush Strokes.

After Dexys disbanded in 1986, Helen started a long working relationship with Tanita Tikaram having played on her hit song ‘Good Tradition’ from her album Ancient Heart.

Helen recorded two solo instrumental albums, featuring acclaimed pianist Nicky Hopkins, before taking a break from music in 1991 to raise her family. The break extended for 23 years. Once her two sons had grown, driven by forces almost beyond her control, Helen began to make music the centre of her life again.

Since 2016 Helen has reconnected with Dexys and Tanita – recording and playing live and has been recording and touring with Tim Burgess’ solo band. Helen is currently recording and touring with Tanita Tikaram and working with Tim Burgess on a duo project.