A History of the Leeds Conductors Competition
Held eight times from its inception in 1984, the Leeds Conductors Competition has played a significant role in
empowering the careers of young British-born conductors. A continuing partnership between Leeds International
Concert Season (Leeds Leisure Services) and the Orchestra of Opera North, the 2009 event is the ninth competition.
The original brainchild of Michael Johnson (then of Leeds City Council) and David Lloyd-Jones, Founder Director
of Opera North, the Leeds Conductors Competition enjoyed for some years the unstinting support of Sir Charles
Groves. Following Sir Charles' death, his successors as Jury Chairman have included Paul Daniel
and the guru of so many British conductors, John Carewe. Those who have served
on the Jury over the years have included Hugh Bean (of the Philharmonia), John Ludlow, Brian Pidgeon of the BBC,
William Relton and Opera North's Richard Mantle.
Winners of past competitions have been Sian Edwards (1984), Grant Llewellyn (1986), Martyn Brabbins (1988), Philip Ellis
(1992), Brad Cohen (1994), Garry Walker (1999), Paul Watkins (2002) and Alexander Shelley was winner of the last
competition in 2005.
