University News Last updated 10 November 2022
Final-year BMus Performance student Bradley Wilson has been selected as the inaugural Conductor-in-Residence with London Schools Symphony Orchestra.
Bradley was appointed following an open call from Guildhall Young Artists and Black Lives in Music to nurture diverse talent and representation within the orchestra. While in the role, Bradley will be involved in all aspects of the orchestra, including participating on audition panels and taking sectional rehearsals, as well as conducting the orchestra in concert.
London Schools Symphony Orchestra (LSSO) celebrates the talents and achievements of London’s young musicians by providing opportunities to play in an orchestra and make music together. Managed by London’s Centre for Young Musicians, a division of the Guildhall School, the orchestra aims to give its members a complete experience of the orchestral repertoire.
Bradley is an advocate for diversity in the music industry, having spoken at conferences to encourage inclusivity and representation in classical music. He is also an RBC School Representative, Ambassador for Black Lives in Music and consultant for the Centre of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the Arts at Birmingham City University.
Bradley has performed in a variety of concerts as a trumpet player with Chineke! Orchestra, from Classic FM Live to Paris Fashion Week. He also serves as Music Director for The Rusty Players, and Conductor for The Peoples Orchestra. As part of his studies at RBC, Bradley plans to form a new Midlands-based orchestra for the global majority with the aim to provide a safe performance space for amateur musicians and students.
Bradley said: “I am incredibly thankful to Black Lives in Music and Guildhall Young Artists for this opportunity to be the first Conductor in Residence with the London Schools Symphony Orchestra. It is an exciting moment to be part of this orchestra so dedicated to championing diversity and inclusion, and I look forward to working with them over the next year.”