MICHAEL ALEXANDER YOUNG
(Music Director)

Described by Diego Masson as an ‘uncommonly expressive and intelligent conductor’ and critically acclaimed for his ‘inspiring and single-minded direction’, Michael Alexander Young is recognised for his ‘musical sensibility, elegance in conducting and understanding and involvement in the composer’s meaning’. Previously a prize winning finalist at both the Leeds Conductors’ Competition (2005) and the International Pedrotti Competition (2006), Michael is Music Director of Charities Philharmonia, the Beethoven Camerata and Jankelevic Ensemble, as well as regular guest conductor of ensembles across Europe. Michael is also currently the Sir Charles Mackerras Fellow at Trinity College of Music, London, having previously held the London Philharmonic Orchestra Paul Woodhouse Fellowship in Conducting.

Michael began conducting whilst an undergraduate at the University of Leeds where he was awarded the Lord Snowden Prize for being instrumental in raising the profile of classical music at the university. He formed the Leeds University Union Symphony Chorus and initiated a series of charity concerts in aid of Cancer Research UK at Leeds Town Hall, which have since become annual events. Whilst completing postgraduate conducting, piano and harpsichord studies at the Royal College of Music, Michael was awarded the London Philharmonic Orchestra Conducting Fellowship by Kurt Masur. Michael has assisted various conductors including Bernard Haitink, Carl Davis, Mark Elder and Vladimir Jurowski. Michael continues to consult with Howard Williams, and is an alumnus of the Bela Bartok Centre for Musicianship.

Future plans include a European tour with the Beethoven Camerata and working with the English National Opera as assistant and covering conductor to Ed Gardner.