Chris Orton
Musical Director
Chris Orton is a recorder player and teacher, conductor and student --‐ practitioner of Dalcroze Eurhythmics. Previously studying recorder, viola and composition at Birmingham Conservatoire and in Amsterdam, He currently lives in Barcelona, where he studies orchestral conducting with Jordi Mora (former assistant to Sergiu Celibidache) at the Escola Superior de Musíca de Catalunya, and Dalcroze Eurhythmics with Eugenia Arús and Ava Loiacono. Chris returns regularly to the UK to teach recorder, chamber music and to conduct at the RNCM Junior School, Chetham’s School of Music, Birmingham Conservatoire and Stockport Youth Orchestra. He is also a course director for the National Youth Recorder Orchestra. Chris enjoys performing a wide range of music, and in particular as a recorder player he holds a passion for 20th and 21st century repertoire, often utilizing live electronics. Earlier in his career he had some success on the international competition circuit. Highlights include 1st prize in the 2007 Moeck/SRP Solo Recorder Competition, 2nd Prize, ‘Prix de Jury’ and Gaudeamus Prize at the Krzysztof Penderecki Contemporary Music Competition, Silver Medal of the Worshipful Company of Musicians and a BBC Performing Arts Fund bursary for £20,000. He has performed live on BBC Radio 3 and BBC TV on numerous occasions. Chris has given solo recitals in many of the main concert halls in the UK, including Manchester Midday Series at the Bridgewater Hall, solo recital at Birmingham Symphony Hall and his Wigmore Hall debut in 2012.
In 2012 Chris was awarded honorary membership of Birmingham Conservatoire (HonBC) for achievements in music since graduating in 2003.