Mark Austin
Student Conductor & Orchestral Manager
Mark made his conducting debut aged 14. He has conducted all the major ensembles in Cambridge and founded his own group, JAMS, which attracts the best players in the university. In 2007-8 he worked as assistant conductor of CUMS I, performing Rachmaninov's 2nd Symphony to great acclaim (November 2007), and assisted Stephen Cleobury, preparing both CUMS I and the CUMS Chorus for their concerts throughout the year. He was conductor of the Cambridge University Opera Society 2008 production, Don Giovanni, described by critics as "astonishing" and "wonderfully imaginative". Mark was recently invited to work with the MDR radio choir in Leipzig, and spent last year abroad in Germany, during which time he also helped prepare several performances for the W¸rzburg ÷kumenischer Hochschulchor, and studied Chinese. He has taken part in several masterclasses, including a choral conducting course held in Uppsala, Sweden for students from all around the world, and has received coaching amongst others from Sir Charles Mackerras, Martyn Brabbins, Peter Stark, Stephen Cleobury, Harry Lyth, Howard Williams, Simon Halsey, and Howard Arman. As a violinist Mark has co-led CUCO, the university chamber orchestra, and led CU3E, the university baroque ensemble, on many occasions. As holder of a university Instrumental Award on the piano, he regularly gives solo and ensemble recitals. Mark has also composed and directed incidental music for the ADC Theatre.
Contact email: Mark Austin (ma371@cam.ac.uk)