GYO has closed Godalming Youth Orchestra closed in 2018. This web site remains as a reference for the time being.

David Wright

David Wright has been conductor of the Godalming Youth Orchestra since 1996.

David Wright was born in Glasgow and studied trumpet, conducting and singing in Edinburgh. He taught at Daniel Stewart's and Melville College, and fulfilled conducting and playing engagements with many important orchestras and opera companies. In 1979 he was a finalist in the Young Conductors' Competition organised by the National Association of Brass Band Conductors. In 1985 he was the only British competitor selected to take part in the International Conductors' Competition in the Netherlands. In 1988 he moved south to become Head of Brass at Charterhouse.

In 1988 David moved south to become Head of Brass at Charterhouse. In 1988, he became the Music Director of the prize winning Godalming Band, a post he held for 25 years until 2013. From 1993 to 1998, he was Musical Director of Opera Omnibus. In addition he has been the guest conductor of the Mozart Wind Ensemble and in 2014 he accepted the Musical Directorship of the Farnham Brass Band.

David has a particular reputation for theatre work (both opera and musicals). His theatre highlights include being Musical Director of the highly acclaimed production of Les Miserables and a rare performance of Blondel produced in collaboration with the show's writer Sir Tim Rice, which were both performed at the Ben Travers Theatre. In May 2000 he conducted the Velvet Jacket production of Oklahoma! which established the Guinness World Record for the fastest theatrical production. More recently he conducted some of the music for the soundtrack of the BBC film Shooting Dogs.

From 2000 to 2004 David was joint Director of the Ben Travers Theatre, during which time he directed and conducted productions of Igor Stravinsky's The Soldier's Tale and Joseph Horovitz's one act opera Gentleman's Island.

David Wright has been at the forefront of musical performance in Godalming for many years and is currently musical director of the Godalming Operatic Society and honorary president of the Godalming Music Festival.

Site updated 05 November 2023. © 2023 The Godalming Youth Orchestra