Christopher Clark

“Christopher is a most thoughtful musician, with a clear approach to rehearsal which yields quick results. His approach is deeply considered, and he is a first-class communicator.” - Ulster Orchestra

Christopher Clark is a conductor whose work sits at the intersection of performance and artistic innovation. His approach is shaped by a deep interest in how sound, space, and human perception interact — a perspective that increasingly defines his projects and artistic leadership.

As Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Central London Orchestra (CLO), Christopher has cultivated an ensemble defined by musical ambition, clarity of purpose, and a culture of genuine support. His leadership blends high artistic standards with an environment where players feel heard, empowered, and inspired to take creative risks. He champions emerging talent and regularly introduces new voices to London audiences, including works by New Zealand composers Salina Fisher and Douglas Lilburn. His work with the CLO includes frequent collaborations with soloists from the Royal Academy of Music, where he was recently invited to conduct the undergraduate orchestra.

Christopher’s interdisciplinary curiosity runs through his major projects. He has recorded Copland’s Appalachian Spring and Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 with Igor Yuzefovich, Leader of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and led the world premiere of Alan Williams’s work marking the NHS’s 75th anniversary, paired with Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale.

His operatic experience includes assistant roles with New Zealand Opera (Madama Butterfly), Opera North (Faust, La voix humaine, Dido and Aeneas), and work on major repertoire including Der Rosenkavalier, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, La bohème, and Don Giovanni.

He has learned from Colin Metters, Jac van Steen, and Pietari Inkinen through work with orchestras including the Ulster Orchestra, Berlin Sinfonietta, and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. He has closely observed Semyon Bychkov’s rehearsals with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra in Prague, Sir Mark Elder with the Hallé, and Richard Farnes at Opera North, gaining insight into the interpretive and philosophical depths of the profession.

In 2025, Christopher expands his international profile through collaborations with opera houses in the Netherlands and Germany, alongside his continued leadership of the CLO for the 2025/2026 season. He is also developing a groundbreaking opera that merges machine learning with theatrical and orchestral performance.

Beyond the podium, Christopher coaches conductors globally, helping them develop communication clarity, rehearsal presence, and public-speaking confidence.

Before dedicating himself fully to conducting, Christopher enjoyed an extensive international career as an orchestral trumpet player, performing as Principal Trumpet with Orchestra Wellington and the Royal New Zealand Air Force Band, and touring with the Hallé, Opera North, Royal New Zealand Ballet, New Zealand Opera, Welsh National Opera, North Czech Philharmonic, Black Dyke Brass Band and the Chamber Orchestra of Europe.

Among his many awards, Christopher was the winner of the prestigious Dame Malvina Major Foundation Arts Excellence Award for international conducting studies, and the recipient of the Pettman DARE International Performance Scholarship, a highly sought after award for leaders in opera. His work has been generously supported by the Arts House Trust, Adam Foundation, Philip and Dianne Pattison, Waverley Fund, Todd Foundation and The Lion Foundation.

Originally from Wellington, New Zealand, Christopher is a graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music, University of British Columbia and the New Zealand School of Music.