Dr Andrew Padmore M.A. D.Mus. FTCL. FLCM. LRAM. ARCM. ARCO(CHM)

Andrew Padmore is a popular conductor with choirs and orchestras internationally and is a leading figure in the choral world. He works with diverse forces ranging from small chamber choirs at the BBC to the largest symphony orchestras and choirs like the famous "Huddersfield Choral Society". His work is highly praised by critics, audiences and by the performers with whom he works.

He is the resident conductor and artistic director of the Yorkshire Philharmonic Choir and Yorkshire Chamber Choir. In his time with this choir it has more than trebled in size, invariably performs to capacity audiences and is described by the critics as “a leading musical force in Yorkshire” and in the German press at an International Choral Festival as “the highlight of the Festival”. A recent concert review in the Yorkshire Post began “Saturday’s concert sent its audience away in raptures. Our formidable regional choir and its virtuoso choral trainer and conductor Andrew Padmore – about both of which we have every reason to be passionate with enthusiasm clearly rewarded their listeners with performances of precision and clarity, robust breadth and sensitivity, all the result of careful groundwork and skilful leadership.” He is also music director of Harrogate Choral Society.

In the orchestral sphere he is particularly well known in the U.K. for conducting summer outdoor performances of "Last Night of the Proms" type concerts attracting audiences of many thousands. However, he is just as happy 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 interaction with audiences make his concerts memorable.

As a choral conductor he is frequently booked to conduct the major choral repertoire with choral societies throughout the U.K. and abroad, and all with 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 have included Emma Kirkby, Patricia Rozario, Mark Padmore, Sir Willard White, Michael George etc.

He is also frequently engaged to direct Choral workshops and masterclasses

Before launching himself as a freelance conductor, Andrew Padmore had acquired an impressive list of academic qualifications and performance diplomas, studied conducting under Sir Adrian Boult and undertaken a variety of musical activities.

He has been Director of Music in an old-established Grammar School and has had a successful period as 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. However, in 1989, after further academic study, he left full-time Cathedral music to concentrate on his work as a choral and orchestral conductor, lecturer and masterclass clinician worldwide.

Much of his work has been in the choral sphere, and he works with choirs internationally, from some of the small professional chamber choirs at the BBC to the largest forces like the famous "Huddersfield Choral Society". He is in demand as a guest conductor for the major choral repertoire, and to direct choral and orchestral workshops in schools, colleges and universities in the U.K. and as far afield as Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Kenya and Zimbabwe.

His work is highly acclaimed by the critics for the dynamism of his approach and for both the flair and sensitivity displayed in his performances.

He is also a busy adjudicator/jurist for International Choral Festivals and an examiner for the Royal Schools of Music (also being a mentor for their professional teaching qualification course and a specialist examiner for their Choral Singing Syllabus and for diplomas).

This wealth of musical experience together with his academic achievements has provided a secure background for directing other musicians. His outgoing personality and sense of humour, together with his musical knowledge, makes him a liked and respected conductor.