Newent Orchestra Conductor and Music Director

Tobias Lazenbury-Halliwell, 'Toby', is a vibrant and energising conductor. With experience of large and small groups, his leadership skills have been successful in orchestral and theatrical settings, where he has directed players and performers of amateur and professional status. Rehearsals and performances with Toby are both fun and inspiring.

Toby is an award winning Musical Director and Baritone who works across an extensive range of musical styles and contexts - from pop choirs to symphony orchestras. Passionate about exploring both new and old music, Toby is always seeking for ways he can engage with that interest in today's musical scene.

Born in Poole in 1998, Toby was first introduced to music through lessons in kit drumming and percussion from former BBC Big Band drummer Paul Brodie, with whom he took his Grade 8 exam. Singing was introduced through regular singing in the Wimborne Minster for religious festivals and other concerts. Following this he attended the Stagewise School for Performing Arts in which he trained in the disciplines of Acting, Voice and Dance, graduating in 2015 with awards in Acting and Voice.

He has his own 'Crescent Chamber Orchestra, based in Cheltenham and is also the MD for Gloucester's Churchdown Choir.