As Conductor

Michael Graham is a conductor with a wealth of experience and has held positions with various orchestras across Scotland. After graduating from the University of Edinburgh, he has continued to study under some of the UK’s leading conducting teachers, including Sian Edwards, Martyn Brabbins, and Denise Ham. He regularly attends other orchestral masterclasses around the UK and Europe.

 

A recipient of the University of Edinburgh Ian Pitt-Watson Conducting Prize, Michael was also delighted to receive the Wagner Society of Scotland’s Bayreuth Scholarship in 2019 which funded a study tour of Germany.

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Michael has also completed an Apprentice Conductor scheme through the Association of British Choral Directors. This involved a placement with the Strathclyde University Chamber Choir and mentorship from choral specialist Alan Tavener.

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Michael's current orchestral projects include:

 

• St Andrew Orchestra (since 2023) One of Scotland's longest-established orchestras, having been founded in 1878.

• British Fretted Orchestra (since 2022) The UK's national mandolin-guitar ensemble which meets several times a year, holding 'northern' and 'southern' rehearsals, and a weekend course in the Spring, culminating in a recording or a performance.

• The Really Terrible Orchestra (since 2020) The RTO appointed Michael as their 'Principal Stick Waver' during Lockdown. Their collaboration continues for their Edinburgh Festival Fringe Concert 2025 following critically condemned, but audience acclaimed performances in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

• Edinburgh Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra (since 2017) Edinburgh and eastern Scotland’s premier fretted string ensemble, performing a wide variety of classical, traditional Scottish, film, and world music.

• Falkirk Tryst Orchestra (since 2017) Falkirk's community symphony orchestra, performing three concerts a year, and drawing players from across Scotland's central belt.

• Edinburgh Recorder Ensemble (since 2013) Recorder orchestra of intermediate-advanced players from around Scotland's east coast. ERE play a variety of historical and contemporary repertoire and employ the full palette of the modern recorder family, from sopranino and descant, to great bass and contrabass instruments.

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He makes frequent appearances as a guest conductor with engagements and festivals around the UK. Check his diary for upcoming engagements.

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Michael also currently serves as Director of Music at St Mark’s Episcopal Church, Portobello, regularly writes as a contributor for several magazine and journals, and maintains a steady output as a composer.