Gregory Batsleer

“Brilliantly prepared by chorusmaster Gregory Batsleer, (SCO Chorus) sang with verve, energy and commitment”
– The Scotsman  May 2011 (Mozart Requiem)

“I have heard (SCO Chorus) many times.   They have never sung with voices more true, intonation more accurate or ensemble more cohesive …. They sang from memory, a terrific feat …. an amazing performance” – **** The Herald, May 2011 (Mozart Requiem)

Gregory Batsleer took up the position of Chorusmaster of the SCO Chorus in December 2009.  He is currently Conductor of Choirs at Manchester University, Principal Conductor of the Manchester Consort (of which he is co-founder) and Musical Director of Dorking Choral Society. 

From 2008-11, Gregory was Director of the Hallé Youth Choir and worked regularly with the Hallé Choir and Hallé Children’s Choir as well as appearing as guest conductor with the Hallé.   He has been closely associated with the RNCM Outreach Department, conducting Bernstein’s West Side Story and Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors.   He has collaborated with leading international conductors including Sir Mark Elder, Markus Stenz, Robin Ticciati and Sir Roger Norrington.

As guest conductor Gregory has worked with the Brandenburg Sinfonia,  Princeton Opera Festival, University of Manchester Symphony Orchestra, Royal College of Music Parry Choir and Three Choirs Festival.   He recently conducted La Clemenza di Tito for Opus Opera in London, and in early 2011 spent a period of study with Simon Halsey and the Berlin Radio Choir.  

Gregory is also active outside the classical world.  He is the singer in the newly-formed PigsEar Duo and Collective, a new music initiative launched this summer in Berlin, Paris and Amsterdam.  He has worked alongside leading pop artists including the alternative rock band Elbow (with whom he collaborated on the recent album Build A Rocket Boys!) and Damon Albarn, and is currently working with composer Joe Duddell and the band James on their forthcoming UK tour.   Gregory has also recently worked as Musical Director on a touring production of Les Miserables and is the Artistic Director of new live music promoters Pencil Presents.

Gregory holds a scholarship at the Royal College of Music and previously had a scholarship at Princeton USA, where he held several conducting posts.  He started performing as a member of the Manchester Boys’ Choir and first began conducting as a Junior Exhibitioner at the RNCM.