Paul Hughes

Paul Hughes joined the BBC in 1999 and was Director of the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and Director of the BBC Singers. A graduate of Trinity College of Music where he studied piano, composition and conducting, Paul came to the BBC following senior leadership roles with The Academy of Ancient Music, IMG Artists, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestra. 

Cultural change, opening access to new and diverse audiences, and collaborating with the widest range of artists from the worlds of classical music, rock and pop, literature, and television, has been a driver throughout Paul’s career

A former Governor of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Paul has a passion for discovering and nurturing the next generation of musicians. He is a guest lecturer at several of the UK’s leading conservatoires, mentoring young conductors, composers and arts administrators

He is an honorary member of Trinity College of Music, the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, the Royal College of Music and has recently been honoured by the Finnish government for services to Finnish music. Paul is regularly invited as a juror for international music competitions.

He is a board member of Welsh National Opera, and of the Three Choirs Festival.