Sir Mark Elder

Name: Sir Mark Elder CH CBE

Role: RNCM Companion and International Chair in Conducting

About: We’ve enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Sir Mark for many years. The Hallé’s Music Director has been our International Chair in Conducting since 2002, working with and advising our conducting students annually and appearing as guest conductor at many of our orchestral concerts. In 2016 it was our privilege to award him with our highest accolade, Companionship of the RNCM.  Speaking at the time, he said: ‘I am thrilled and feel greatly honoured to be awarded Companionship of the RNCM and to follow in the footsteps of the small and hugely distinguished group to have held this mark of distinction. I find my work as International Chair in Conducting constantly stimulating and challenging and look forward to continuing to help in the development of ever higher standards in the years to come. It is wonderful that the College has chosen to support me in this way, and I know that the RNCM and the Hallé will continue to act in partnership at the heart of musical life in Manchester.’

Did you know? Sir Mark won an Olivier Award in 1991 for his outstanding work at English National Opera and received the 2006 Royal Philharmonic Society Conductor Prize. He was awarded the CBE in 1989, knighted in 2008 and was appointed a Member of the Order of Companions of Honour (CH) in 2017.