The bands Resident Musical Director is Ian Radcliffe. Now resident in his home town of Harrogate he has spent 15 years as Principal Trumpet with the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra in Spain.

Ian Radcliffe

A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music in London, Ian began studying trumpet with the celebrated horn player and composer Wilfred Heaton. Ian played in all the academy orchestras and other London based orchestras, and also played solo cornet in the London Collegiate Brass under Edward Gregson. During his time with the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra Ian gave 150 concerts each year, in addition to radio and television recordings, opera and ballet seasons, as well as tours. He also guested with numerous orchestras throughout Spain, and completed a tour with the National Symphony Orchestra of Washington, USA. Ian was a founder member and principle trumpet of the Bilbao Brass Quintet and Iberian Brass, boich had busy concert and recording schedules. He also developed a flourishing and acclaimed solo career.

Simon Lindley

The band’s Principal Guest Conductor is Simon Lindley, a significant figure in the musical life of the City of Leeds for over 20 years, many of which have been in close association with the band. Simon is Master of Music at Leeds Parish Church and Leeds City Organist. He holds a senior position in the City Council’s Leisure Services Department and serves as Artistic Advisor to the award winning Leeds Summer Heritage Festival. He is founder/conductor of the St. Peter’s Singers and Chamber Orchestra. Past appointments have included Conductor of the Leeds Philharmonic Choir and Musical Advisor to the Yorkshire Television’s religious programmes. In the educational field he has held appointments of Director of Music at St. Alban’s School and Senior Lecture at Leeds Metropolitan University. He is an Examiner to several Universities and Colleges. A fellow of the Royal College of Organists, he has served for 20 years on the College Council and as chairman of the college’s examining panels. He also holds a fellowship from Trinity College of Music, and is a recipient of honorary diplomas from the Royal School of Churchs and Singers. His many recitals and broadcasts as an organist have established his reputation as a musician of distinction , and his recordings achieve widespread acclaim. He enjoys a close association with many of the top bands in the North through numerous Brass & Voice Concerts, as accompanist to the cornet virtuoso Philip McCann.