Ian Smith

Ian is one of the leading conductors in the Bedford and Milton Keynes area.

Educated at York University and Queens’ College Cambridge, he moved to Milton Keynes in 1975 and to Bedford in 1981. Ian is musical director and principal conductor of Bedford Choral Society and the Danesborough Chorus.

His wide-ranging repertoire of choral performances have included Rachmaninov Vespers, Vaughan Williams Sea Symphony and Dona Nobis Pacem, Verdi Requiem, Bach Christmas Oratorio, Mass in B minor, St John Passion and St Matthew Passion, Britten War Requiem, Dankworth The Diamond and the Goose, Elgar The Dream of Gerontius, Vivaldi Gloria, Karl Jenkins Requiem and The Armed Man, Will Todd Mass in Blue, Handel Judas Maccabeus, Saul and Messiah, Monteverdi Vespers, Lauridsen Lux Aeterna and Goodall Eternal Light.

Ian’s varied career includes radio recordings and television appearances for BBC and ITV. Ian was conductor of the Bedfordshire County Youth Second Orchestra for 23 years. He is also a violinist and leader of the Beverley String Quartet.

As a freelance musician working for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, Ian has delivered courses to teachers in England, Scotland, Hong Kong and Singapore. He was for many years a Trustee of The Wavendon Allmusic Plan. Until his retirement from full-time teaching Ian was Director of Music, Head of Expressive Arts and Assistant Headteacher at Wootton Upper School near Bedford. He continues to be actively involved in practical music-making throughout the area.

In 2023 Ian was delighted to be awarded an honorary degree of Master of the University from The Open University for his exceptional contribution to education and culture. The nomination was for “the outstanding influence you have had on the musical, artistic and cultural life of Milton Keynes and Bedfordshire, enriching the lives of those with whom you have worked”.