Conductors

Michael Vinten — Music Director and Conductor

Michael Vinten has been Music Director since the orchestra’s inception in 1993.

He completed an honours degree in Music at Victoria University and graduated with a Masters in Orchestral Conducting from Cincinnati College Conservatory in the United States. He has been a freelance conductor and composer since 1990.

Michael is Chorus Director and Assistant Conductor of the NB R New Zealand Opera, and Music Director of Cantoris Chamber Choir. He also lectures at Massey University’s Conservatorium of Music, and conducts orchestra concerts and opera productions.

Laurence Hughes — Assistant Conductor

Laurence Hughes will be the first assistant conductor to have come through the orchestra! He has been involved in WYS for a number of years. He played in the 1st violins last year.

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