Ian Smith - Guest conductor, Bedford Sinfonia
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 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.
View full bioAlex Collins - Leader
Alex Collins started learning the violin at the age of 8 and soon after, he won numerous local competitions and a music scholarship to Bedford School to study with Martin Hughes. This started to sculpt Alex’s musical identity and, after which, he gained a place at The Royal College of Music. During his time at the RCM, Alex played under the baton of Sir Antonio Pappano, Vladimir Jurowski and Thomas Zehetmair. He also formed part of the Vesta Quartet, who gave concerts in and around London and received regular coaching from the Chilingirian quartet. Alex was then given a scholarship to complete his Masters at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, learning with Stephanie Gonley.
Closer to home, Alex enjoys performing as a soloist with the Bedford Sinfonia. Other highlights have included performances at the Royal Albert Hall and at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall. He performs regularly with the Element String Quartet, the Facade Ensemble and London Firebird Orchestra.
