Past and Present Conductors
The Lydian Orchestra does not have a single conductor, but has enjoyed working with many over the years.
Brynly Clarke
As the orchestra’s Musical Director, Brynly is regularly on the podium and directed many courses and tours since 2011. He has worked professionally with choirs and orchestras in Belgium and Ireland and started out life as a professional bassoonist with the London Sinfonietta.
BENEDICT COLLINS RICE
A highly sought after young choral conductor, Benedict conducts and directs orchestras and ensembles across the country. He most recently conducted Lydian’s Winter Course in 2021. Until 2020 he held the post of Director of Choral Music at Tonbridge Grammar School.
Joseph Wolfe
Joseph is a conductor and violinist, working with many of the UK’s leading orchestras as well as conducting on the international stage. He last conducted the 2021 Summer Course.
Naomi Butcher
Naomi currently holds the Junior Conducting Fellowship at the Guildhall School, and also plays the saxophone and piano. She has been Music Director of the Tonbridge Philharmonic Society since 2021, and is founder and artistic director of Snaps Ensemble. Naomi led Lydian’s 2022 Winter Course.
Jonathan Butcher
Jonathan was principal conductor of The Lydian Orchestra for its first 10 years, returning as a guest for the December 2014 concert. He is the Musical Director of Surrey Opera and conductor of the IAPS Symphony Orchestra.
ALEC FRANK-GEMILL
A former player with the Lydian Orchestra, Alec is principal horn of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and a professor at the GSMD. We were delighted that he agreed to come and conduct Lydian for the 2018 Spring Concert.
BARRY GRIFFITHS OBE
Leader of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra from 1976–1989, Barry was a regular conductor of the Lydian in the 90s and early 2000s and was also President of the orchestra for many years. Barry sadly passed away in September 2020 at the age of 81.
Michael Hitchcock
Well-known locally for his work with youth and adult orchestras, Michael has run the LTO and conducted the main orchestra in recent concerts.
Paul Hoskins
Current Director of Music at The Purcell School, and conductor of Rambert from 1996–2018, Paul Hoskins directed Lydian on several occasions during the early 2000s. Despite his busy professional career, Paul still enjoys training amateur orchestras.
Ethan Merrick
Once a member of The Lydian Orchestra, professional cellist Ethan Merrick went on to become conductor of the LTO for several years as well as regularly directing the main orchestra.
Christoph Nielbock
Director of the Wiesbaden Musikschule, Christoph has been twice to the UK to conduct Lydian, strengthening our ties with the twin town of Tunbridge Wells. Christoph has been our host for the tours to Germany in 2013 and 2015. We hope for further collaboration.
GEOFFREY PATERSON
Geoffrey was also a Lydian member, playing the viola. He conducted the orchestra on its 30th Anniversary tour to Paris in 2006. In 2009 he won the Leeds Conducting Competition.He now works regularly at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden and with the London Sinfonietta and Manchester Camerata.
Nils Schweckendiek
A former Lydian cellist, Nils has made a name as a professional conductor, living and working in Scandinavia. He returned to conduct the 40th Anniversary concert in July 2016 after an 11 year absence.
Peter Young
Well known in Sevenoaks for his many years in the music department at Sevenoaks School and as organist and choral director at St. Nicholas Church, Peter collaborated with June Clements in his early teaching years.
