Top Scottish conductor appointed to lead Highland Youth Orchestra

The North’s only full-size youth symphony orchestra, Highland Regional Youth Orchestra (HRYO), is delighted to announce that Christopher George has been appointed as new Conductor of the group.  

Christopher George was the Leader of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, directing them and appearing as soloist at the Edinburgh International Festival, the Aldeburgh Festival, at the Concertgebouw Amsterdam and throughout Europe.  Chris has led the Academy of St Martin in the Fields with whom he toured widely under the direction of Murray Perahia, Joshua Bell and Sir Neville Marriner.  He has played in principal positions with the Royal Opera House orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and many other ensembles.  As a chamber musician he spent many happy hours with groups Quince Quartet and Trio Ligeti and collaborating with artists such as Artur Pizarro, Christian Zacharias, Laurence Power and Richard Egarr.  As a soloist his repertoire is wide, ranging from the baroque to specially commissioned works.   

Chris George photo

Chris has now moved away from violin performance and devotes his time to conducting and teaching.  He teaches and coaches at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and with the National Youth Orchestras of Scotland where he also sits on the board.  As a conductor, Chris regularly works at the universities of Edinburgh and St Andrews and is Musical Director of the Glossop Festival, working with some of the country’s leading players and singers.  He recently conducted the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Northern Sinfonia on a UK tour.  Chris is delighted to be collaborating with the fantastic Highland Regional Youth Orchestra!  

Norman Bolton, The Highland Council’s Music Development Officer said: “This is an exciting time for HRYO which has gone through a number of changes over the past few years.  Part of the remit of all the Highland Young Musicians groups is to expose the talented musicians to the best possible opportunities, and to be able to work with someone as experienced as Christopher allows us to broaden the musical experiences of all the players.”  

Highland Regional Youth Orchestra is one of the eight regional music groups supported by The Highland Council as an extension to the work of its Instrumental Tuition Service.  The groups are marketed under the Highland Young Musicians brand.  More information about any of the groups can be found at: http://www.highland-young-musicians.com/  or by contacting Norman Bolton at: norman.bolton@highland.gov.uk

HYM are always keen to collaborate with any businesses willing to support the creative and musical development of Highland young people.  An initial contact should be made with the Music Development Officer.  

Once the HYM rehearsal schedule begins in the new school session, groups will all be working towards their 21st November Concerts Festival in Aviemore’s Macdonald Resort in addition to some other commitments showcasing specific groups.

16 Jun 2015