Sharing the joy of singing since 1920
Peter Bandy is a conductor of considerable experience with successful performances in diverse genres such 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 has conducted most professional orchestras in Australia and New Zealand and has held important positions conducting Choral and Orchestral Music, Opera and Ballet. He was Chorus Master and conductor with Opera Australia, and, prior to this, Music Director of the Western Australian Gilbert & Sullivan Society for 7 years. As Associate and Resident Conductor of the Australian Ballet, he conducted most ballets in the company's repertoire, and also toured with the company to New Zealand, directing the Auckland Philharmonia in performances of Romeo and Juliet. He has also conducted for the Royal New Zealand, West Australian and Queensland Ballet Companies. Further visits to New Zealand resulted in working with the Auckland Philharmonia, the Christchurch Symphony and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the latter in collaboration with the Royal New Zealand Ballet.
Peter Bandy was Music Director of the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Society and also at Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar School. He was Music Director and Chief Conductor of the Melbourne Youth Orchestra for fourteen years and, during that time, directed his young players through successful performances of some of the great orchestral, choral and ballet music.
He has worked with a diversity of artists such as James Galway, Dame Joan Sutherland, Richard Bonynge, and Peter Schikele (PDQ Bach), and has received advice and assistance from Sir Charles Mackerras.
Peter is a music educator and was Director of Music at two schools and taught music at several more. He is very interested in fostering the talents of young conductors, and frequently runs conducting workshops for music teachers.
He was Music Director of Sing Australia Hawthorn for four years. He continues his association as Music Director and Conductor of The Australian Conservatoire of Ballet, which performs annual seasons of popular ballets with orchestra in Hamer Hall.
Peter Bandy has been Music Director of The Heidelberg Choral Society since 2011.
