THE CONDUCTOR.

"Waving the conductor's baton is a little like being in Harry Potter. Except with music, the magic is very real" - Callum

Callum Rookes, affectionately known as “That British Conductor Guy,” is a

British-European conductor recognised for his versatility, musical sensitivity,

and dynamic presence on the podium. Known for his refreshing, humorous,

and highly engaging rehearsal style, Callum combines artistic rigour with a

sincere, warm, and inclusive approach to music-making.

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He has captivated audiences across the UK and United States and most

recently served as Musical Director of the London Video Game Orchestra,

leading the ensemble through a sell-out 2024 season. Under his direction,

the orchestra worked alongside leading composers in the medium,

including BAFTA Award-winner Borislav Slavov (Baldur’s Gate III), further

cementing Callum’s reputation as a leading voice in contemporary and

crossover orchestral performance.

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In 2024, Callum founded Project//Symphonic, an international scratch

orchestra designed for musicians who seek high-level repertoire without the

constraints of weekly rehearsals. As its Musical and Creative Director, he has grown the project across England, Scotland, and the USA, championing accessibility, flexibility, and artistic excellence.

Internationally, Callum has guest conducted ensembles including the San Francisco Philharmonic Orchestra, Denver Philharmonic Orchestra, New York Paramount Orchestra, and the University of Milwaukee Wind Ensemble. He has been selected for numerous prestigious conducting programmes, including the Maestro Masterclass (New York), the International Conducting Institute, the Sherborne Summer School for Conducting, and the University of Milwaukee Conducting Symposium.

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His training includes mentorship from some of the most respected figures in the field, including Donald Schleicher, Mark Heron, Diane Wittry, Bjørn Sagstad, Col. Jason Fettig (ret.), and Professor Michael Haithcock. Following his work in Milwaukee, Callum was invited to undertake a Master’s degree in Conducting as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at The Peck School of the Arts, where he played a central role in departmental leadership and served as Assistant Director of the university’s Panther Ensemble, performing regularly at high-profile sporting events.

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In the UK, Callum has conducted leading ensembles such as the Central Band of the Royal Air Force, His Majesty’s Regimental Band of the Coldstream Guards, Birmingham Symphonic Winds, Glasgow Sinfonia, and the London People’s Orchestra. Alongside his professional work, he is a passionate advocate for community music-making and is deeply committed to helping ensembles thrive in the face of ongoing challenges to arts funding.

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Education remains central to Callum’s practice. Inspired by the teachers who shaped his own musical journey, he regularly leads workshops internationally and currently teaches conducting students across the UK, France, and Malaysia.

Callum also shares his expertise with a growing global audience through Instagram (@thatbritishconductorguy), where he offers conducting insights, rehearsal strategies, and behind-the-scenes perspectives from the podium.