Peter Bandy

 

Australian Peter Bandy has earned himself a reputation as a conductor of considerable experience with successful performances in such diverse genres as Choral, Orchestral, Opera and Ballet Music. Alongside his performing talents are years spent learning his craft as Music Director, Music Arranger, Chorus Master and Orchestra Manager.

Peter studied at the University of Western Australia and in 1976 won a professional conducting audition with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. In 1979 he received a grant from the Western Australian Arts Council enabling him to study conducting at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London with Vilem Tausky.

Peter has held important positions in Australia, conducting Orchestral and Choral Music, Opera and Ballet. He has now directed most major professional symphony orchestras in Australia and New Zealand.  

In 1976 Peter formed the 150 voice Perth Oratorio Choir which performed most of the major oratorios with professional symphony orchestras, including highly acclaimed engagements for the ABC of The Messiah, Alexander Nevsky, Gloria (Poulenc) and Stabat Mater (Rossini). He was Music Director of this choir for 10 years and his association with them continues.

Since 1987 Peter has undertaken engagements as Chorus Master with the Australian Opera and in 1989, made his debut as a conductor with that company. Prior to this he was Music Director of the West Australian Gilbert and Sullivan Society for 7 years.

As Associate and Resident Conductor of the Australian Ballet from 1987 he has conducted most ballets in the company's repertoire. In 1992 he toured with the company to New Zealand, conducting the Auckland Philharmonia in performances of Romeo and Juliet. He has also conducted for the Royal New Zealand, West Australian and Queensland Ballet Companies.

Peter has worked with a diversity of artists such as James Galway, Dame Joan Sutherland, Richard Bonynge, Rolf Harris and Peter Schikele [PDQ Bach]. In 1994-95, he again visited New Zealand conducting concerts with the Auckland Philharmonia and the Christchurch Symphony plus seasons with the Royal New Zealand Ballet involving the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

From 1996-98, Peter was Music Director of the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Society and also at Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar School. He was appointed Music Director and Chief Conductor of the Melbourne Youth Orchestra from 1993 until 1997 and directed his young players through successful performances of Mahler's 1st and 2nd Symphonies, Carmina Burana, Verdi's Requiem, Holst's Planets Suite, Pictures At An Exhibition (Moussorgsky/Ravel) and The Rite Of Spring.

Peter is a regular presenter on 3MBS 103.5FM Melbourne's classical music radio station.  

Peter was our guest conductor for the 2010 performances of Mendelssohn's St Paul oratorio and the cathedral music series. He will take up the position of musical director in 2011.