We’re thrilled to have Alice as our new Assistant Conductor. Alice Knight is a conductor and horn player based in London.

Having been inspired to conduct whilst still at school, Alice began conducting a range of ensembles during her undergraduate degree in Music at the University of Oxford. During her studies, Alice held the principal conductor roles with Oxford University Philharmonia, Sinfonietta, Wind Orchestra and Brass Band, conducting a wide range of music including Mahler’s 2nd Symphony and Janacek’s Sinfonietta. Alice is particularly passionate about the music of Ethel Smyth, conducting numerous works including the world premiere of her cantata, The Song of Love, in conjunction with the Alternative Canon Project. Alice has also worked with amateur and youth orchestras in the Oxford area, most notably as guest conductor of Burford Orchestra in autumn 2023.

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Whilst at Oxford, Alice studied conducting with Professor John Traill. She has conducted in masterclasses and workshops with Sian Edwards, Jane Glover, Alice Farnham, and Toby Purser through her participation in the Royal Academy of Music’s Glover-Edwards Conducting Programme, the Vienna Opera Academy, and the Royal Philharmonic Society Women Conductor’s Programme.

As a horn player, Alice is currently studying for a Masters in Horn performance with Richard Watkins, Kira Doherty, and Mike Thompson at the Royal Academy of Music. She has performed across the UK as an orchestral musician, notably as a member of the National Youth Orchestra and Oxford University Orchestra. Alice is passionate about contemporary music and was the horn player for the 2023 London Sinfonietta Academy, as well as being an Ensemble ISIS scholar at the University of Oxford. She is also a keen chamber musician, performing across London and Oxford in ensembles ranging from brass septets and wind octets to horn trios and duets.

Alice’s musical interests are broad, encompassing composition, education, and outreach as well as her passion for performance. As a composer, Alice’s works have been performed by ensembles including the Castalian Quartet and Onyx Brass, whilst her passion for outreach has led her to work for the National Youth Orchestra’s Creative Music Team. Alice is a patron of youth leadership organisation Europe 101, and a member of Brass Bands England’s Youth Voice working group.

In July 2024, Alice graduated with a First in Music from the University of Oxford (St Anne’s College), where she held academic, conducting, and performance scholarships, and was awarded the Gibbs Prize for academic achievement. In September 2024, Alice will begin studying for a Master of Music in Horn performance at the Royal Academy of Music where she holds a full scholarship. Alice’s studies are supported by the Countess of Munster Musical Trust and Help Musicians.