Dr Andrew Padmore BEM
Choral and Orchestral Conductor | Accompanist | Singing Tutor | Examiner | Adjudicator
“As usual, Andrew Padmore made sure that every attention to detail was observed. This was a great performance and I was impressed by his command of the many diverse aspects of the performance and equally, the way the choir and orchestra responded to his direction.” N.G. Harrogate Advertiser
Andrew Padmore is a popular conductor with choirs and orchestras internationally and is a leading figure in the choral world. He has worked 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.
Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho - Feel the Spirit - John Rutter
Yorkshire Philharmonic Choir Amici Ensemble – Conductor- Andrew Padmore
Andrew Padmore was the resident conductor and artistic director of the Yorkshire Philharmonic Choir and Yorkshire Chamber Choir for 34 years. In his time with this choir it more than trebled in size, invariably performed to capacity audiences and was described by the critics as “a leading musical force in Yorkshire”. At an International Choral Festival in Germany it was described by the press 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 – clearly rewarded their listeners with performances of precision and clarity. There was a robust breadth and sensitivity, all the result of careful groundwork and skilful leadership”. Andrew was also music director of Harrogate Choral Society for 15 years, has a close relationship with The Cumbria Singers and has been engaged as Guest Conductor for many Choral Societies both in the UK and abroad.
In the orchestral sphere he is particularly well known in the UK 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 large-scale choral repertoire with choral societies and orchestras throughout the UK and abroad, 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 Dame Emma Kirkby, Melanie Marshall, Gaynor Keeble, Mark Padmore, Alfie Boe, Sir Willard White, Michael George, Alex Ashworth etc. He conducts at various Arts Festivals and for major Church Services e.g. the annual NHS Carol Service in York Minster (with a choir of over 300 health professionals and congregation of over 3000!), which, following the late Francis Jackson, he has done for 20 years.
Andrew has conducted several ‘first performances’, including an opera The Nightingale and the Rose by Oliver Rudland at the Royal College of Music in London, This Precious Earth by Jonathan Bielby and a work for Brass Band and Choir by Ben Oliver premièred in Wakefield Cathedral.
He is also frequently engaged to direct Choral workshops and masterclasses.
