Bjorn Bantock has an extensive performance schedule conducting numerous ensembles and orchestras internationally. He has performed in Chile, Argentina, Brazil, China, South Africa, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Russia, Malta, Ireland, Norway and the United Kingdom. Bjorn is principal conductor of the Irish Memory Orchestra and the Huntingdonshire Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir. He has been a guest conductor for the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, the Philharmonia Choir of Cape Town, the European Bienniale in Naples and the Svanker Music Festival. Bjorn was also principal conductor for the St Albans Symphony Orchestra, the London Medical Orchestra, the Europa Ensemble and the Film Score Spectacular Orchestra and the International String Orchestra Festival in Malta.
“Bantock infects the orchestra with vigour…extracting musical sensibility and technical excellence in equal measures.”
– The Strad
Bjorn is passionate about teaching and runs the Conducting Cource for the National Schools Symphony Orchestra course in Malvern College and the Conducting Course for the Open Strings Festival in Denmark. He also founded and is principal conductor for the London Chamber Strings which showcases London’s finest string professionals. Hand-picked specifically for their musical integrity and stunning virtuosity the London Chamber Strings are led by David Juritz.
Bjorn regularly conducts the Hertfordshire Philharmonia and worked as conductor at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, the London Contemporary Dance School and the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain.
Bjorn has been broadcast live on the SABC, BBC and S4C and has recorded and produced CD’s for the Kingsway Record label.
Bjorn studied conducting with Colin Metters, Head of Conducting at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He has won numerous prizes, bursaries and scholarships including first prize in the Sir John Barbirolli competition, RNCM Contemporary Music Performance Prize and a Full International ABRSM Scholarship.