Each year Settle Orchestra is proud to collaborate with a new conductor in their second year of conducting studies at the Royal Northern College of Music. These emerging talents bring fresh perspectives and a passion for music that invigorates the orchestra and enhances the concert experience.

Over three terms – Autumn, Spring, and Summer – the conductor works closely with our musicians, nurturing their growth while adding a unique flavour to each concert. This annual tradition allows the orchestra to showcase a dynamic range of musical interpretation and ensures that every concert season offers something exciting and memorable.

Introducing Harry Lai

This year we are conducted by the talented Harry Lai from Hong Kong. He completed his masters in piano performance with Murray McLachlan at the Royal Northern College of Music, appearing in many RNCM orchestras and ensembles.  He is also the recent recipient of 2nd prize in the Avril Coleridge-Taylor competition.

Harry has assisted orchestras such as the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and BBC Philharmonic, and in masterclasses conducted Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra, Südwestdeutsches Kammerorchestra Pforzheim (SWDKO), English Symphony Orchestra, amongst others.  He has studied or participated in masterclasses with Mark Heron, Peter Eötvös, Gregory Vajda, Howard Williams, Douglas Bostock.  Recent highlights include assisting John Storgårds and BBC Philharmonic for their BBC Proms appearance.  His studies are generously supported by the Dorothy Smith Scholarship and an RNCM entrance scholarship.

Our Next Concert

Our final concert under Harry’s baton showcases an inspiring selection of classical masterpieces. The Summer programme includes Mendelssohn’s Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage, Weber’s Horn Concertino, and Schubert’s Symphony No. 3, offering a rich tapestry of sound and emotion. The performances will take place in Settle on June 21st and in Skipton on June 28th, inviting audiences to experience the beauty and depth of these timeless works.