Christopher Bearman OAM

Christopher was born in Chichester, Sussex UK. His music education was at Dartington College of the Arts and the Guildhall School of Music (London) where he studied violin with Eli Goren. Following his graduation in in Performance Teaching and Advanced Orchestral Studies, he was a professional violinist based in London for more than 20 years, playing with the BBC Symphony Orchestra; London Mozart Players, English Sinfonia, Northern Sinfonia, and Guildford Philharmonic. Christopher began conducting in 1990 when the South London Chamber Orchestra was formed.

Rekindling his interest in music education and training, Christopher migrated to Australia in 1994, to hold his first teaching posts at Central Coast and Newcastle Conservatoriums, and tutoring work with Sydney and Australian Youth Orchestras. Christopher spearheaded the merger of two existing ensembles to form the Central Coast Symphony Orchestra and continued their development to the now semi-professional ensemble. In 2010, Christopher was awarded an OAM for his contribution to the development of music education and performance in the Central Coast Region of NSW. Taking up the post as cohort leader of strings, principal violin tutor, and conductor of the University Orchestra at Newcastle University Conservatorium, Christopher moved to the Hunter region in 2012.

Since ‘retiring’ to Tasmania in 2016, Christopher has been active across the state as both a player and conductor.

Christopher conducted the Tasmanian Youth Orchestra for one program in 2019, clearly demonstrating both the outstanding calibre of his work and the beautiful fit of his highly educational approach with the values and aims of TYO. His work received highly positive feedback from both participants and audiences; and TYO was delighted when Christopher subsequently accepted the role of TYO Chief Conductor.

As TYO Chief Conductor, Christopher also sits on the TYO Artistic and Education Committee; and Chairs the TYO Conductor’s meetings.