Michael Bell was first invited to conduct the Brecknock Sinfonia at Brecon Cathedral in 2010, and is now the orchestra’s regular conductor.
Michael was born in Neath. After graduating from Cardiff University, he formed Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra and has conducted the orchestra since CPO’s inaugural concert in June 1982.
Michael has conducted an enormous and wide-ranging repertoire with CPO, in more than 350 concerts. Highlights have included Mahler Symphony No 2 ‘Resurrection’, Richard Strauss ‘An Alpine Symphony’, Stravinsky Rite of Spring, Elgar Symphony No 1 and Rachmaninov Symphony No 2.
Michael has always had a great enthusiasm for film music, and in 1994 introduced A Night at the Movies. These are now an annual feature of CPO’s repertoire, performed at venues throughout South Wales. The concert in December 2017, celebrating the music of John Williams, was performed to the highest audience figures at St David’s Hall for thirteen years.
In the 2018 New Year’s Honours Michael was awarded an MBE, and this was presented to him by HRH The Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace in March 2018.