Sir Mark Elder

Born in Hexham, Northumberland on June 3, 1947, Elder played bassoon at primary school and later in the National Youth Orchestra. He studied music at the University of Cambridge before gaining experience in conducting with Sir Edward Downes.

Prior to commencing his foremost role with the Hallé Orchestra, Elder held a number of significant posts including a long spell as Music Director of the English National Opera from 1979 to 1993. He also served as Principal Guest Conductor of both the BBC and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestras (1982 - 1985 and 1992 - 1995 respectively) as well as Music Director of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (1989 - 1994).

Having been appointed to the role a year previous, Elder’s first concert as Music Director of the Hallé was in October 2000, at a time when the orchestra’s very continuation was in doubt. Credited with raising its profile and restoring its high musical standards, Elder eventually concluded his tenure at the end of the 2023 - 2024 season after almost a quarter century at the helm. His last concert - a spectacular performance of the Enigma Variations - was a particularly fitting finale given the conductor’s reputation as one of the world’s finest interpreters of Elgar’s music. After stepping down as Music Director, Elder assumed the role of Conductor Emiritus and pledged his commitment to maintaining a close association with the Hallé in future.

Outside of the United Kingdom, Elder has served as Principal Guest Conductor of the Bergen Philharmonic since August 2022 and will begin an initial two-year contract as Music Director with the Orquestra de la Comunitat Valenciana in September 2025. He has also led many of the world’s leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Boston and Chicago Symphony Orchestras and Orchestra de Paris, and continues to be highly sought-after as a guest conductor.

Throughout his career Elder has recorded for multiple labels (including the Hallé’s own) and been honoured with many awards in recognition of his outstanding work. These include an Olivier Award in 1991 and the Royal Philharmonic Society’s Conductor Prize in 2006. In June 2008, having previously been appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (1989), Elder was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in her birthday honours list.