Gregory Batsleer is one of the UK’s most dynamic and in demand choral conductors and chorus masters. In addition to his role of Choral Director with the Huddersfield Choral Society, Greg is also Chorus Director of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra Chorus (since January 2015) and of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra Chorus (since 2009). He is also principal conductor of the National Portrait Gallery’s Portrait Choir. He has previously held the position of Director of the Hallé Youth Choir (2008-11) and Director of Choirs at Manchester University (2009-13).

Gregory is also heavily committed to work outside of the classical music world and is Artistic Director of innovative live music company Pencil Presents. He has worked as music supervisor and consultant on performance and recording projects with artists including Elbow, James, Clean Bandit, Damon Albarn and New Order. He has a close working relationship with composer Joe Duddell and has premiered works by composers including Colin Metters, Uri Caine and Ben Parry.

Gregory began choral singing at the age of nine as a member of the Manchester Boys Choir and later went on to hold scholarships at Princeton University and the Royal College of Music. He has received tuition and support from leading musicians including Baldur Brönniman, Martyn Brabbins, Sian Edwards, Simon Carrington and Simon Halsey. On his return to the UK in 2008 and co-founded and directed the Manchester Consort as well as taking up the role of Director of the Hallé Youth Choir (2008-11) and went on to direct and lead the Manchester University Chorus (2009-13). He graduated from the Royal College of Music in 2012, where he majored in vocal studies.

He has also previously held successful associations with the Amadeus Orchestra and RNCM Outreach Department. As a guest conductor, highlights include performances with the Hallé, Academy of Ancient Music, New Century Baroque, Brandenburg Sinfonia, Royal College of Music Baroque Orchestra, members of Florilegium, Rodolfus Choir, the chapel choir at Royal Naval College Greenwich. He has appeared at festivals including Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival, Edinburgh International Festival, Three Choirs Festival and the Latitude festival. He has been guest chorus master for orchestras including Northern Sinfonia, English Chamber Orchestra, Houston Symphony Orchestra and BBC Philharmonic, working with leading international conductors including Sir Mark Elder, Markus Stenz, Adam Fischer, Louis Langrée, Sir Roger Norrington and Robin Ticciati.

Gregory Batsleer’s outstanding work as a choral director was recognised with the 2015 Arts Foundation’s first-ever Fellowship in Choral Conducting.