Andrew Padmore, conductor of the Yorkshire Philharmonic Choir.

Andrew Padmore joined the Yorkshire Philharmonic Choir as musical director in 1989. He is a popular conductor with choirs and orchestras internationally and is a leading figure in the choral world. He is currently the resident conductor and artistic director of both the Yorkshire Philharmonic Choir and the Harrogate Choral Society, but has worked with diverse forces ranging from small chamber choirs at the BBC to the largest symphony orchestras and choirs such as the well known Huddersfield Choral Society. His work is highly praised by audiences and by performers alike, as well as by the critics for the dynamism of his approach and for both the flair and sensitivity displayed in his performances.

He is much in demand as a guest conductor for the major choral repertoire throughout the U.K. and abroad, and all result in subsequent invitations to undertake further engagements. Choirs find his approach dynamic and inspirational and professional soloists comment on his intuitive support. Soloists in recent concerts include Emma Kirkby, Patricia Rozario, Mark Padmore, Sir Willard White, Michael George and Melanie Marshall. Andrew is also invited to direct choral and orchestral workshops in schools, colleges and universities in the U.K. and as far a-field as Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Kenya and Zimbabwe.

Andrew’s versatility is well known. He is as comfortable conducting summer outdoor performances of "Last Night of the Proms" type concerts attracting audiences of thousands, as he is conducting the more serious repertoire in the concert-hall. His ability to get the best out of an orchestra and choir on minimal rehearsal is legendary and his interactions with audiences make his concerts memorable. He has plans for the Yorkshire Philharmonic Choir and the Harrogate Choral Society to work together on some major works. The first will be Verdi Requiem at Leeds Town Hall in June 2008.

Andrew Padmore studied conducting under Sir Adrian Boult and was Cathedral Organist & Master of Choristers at Cork and Belfast Cathedrals, giving organ recitals in many of the British Cathedrals and major Concert Halls. He has also played both violin and trombone professionally. Since 1989 he has concentrated on choral and orchestral conducting, lecturing, adjudicating for international choral festivals, examining for the Royal Schools of Music and delivering master classes worldwide.