Oliver Gorton – Biography
Originally from Manchester, Oliver is currently pursuing a degree in Music at the University of Huddersfield, where he continues to broaden his knowledge of choral conducting, vocal performance, and ensemble leadership.
Oliver’s passion for choral singing began at the age of eight when he joined his local junior youth choir. From 2016 to 2024, he was a member of the Hallé Youth Choirs, where he honed his musicianship while performing with some of the world’s leading orchestras. These years offered invaluable opportunities to sing in high-profile venues and to experience first-hand large-scale choral-orchestral performances on peices such as Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius , Vaughan Williams ‘A Sea Symphony’ and Tippet’s ‘Child of Our Time’.
Currently, Oliver is a Choral Scholar with the internationally renowned Hallé Choir, This provides opportunities to perform with orchestras including The Hallé, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO), BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, and BBC Philharmonic, as well as other leading symphonic choirs from across the UK.
He has performed at some of the country’s most significant concert halls and major festivals, and has had the privilege of working under distinguished conductors such as Sir Mark Elder, Kahchun Wong, and Ryan Wigglesworth. These experiences have allowed him to immerse himself in the great symphonic choral repertoire.
Alongside his large-scale choral work, Oliver has developed a strong interest in chamber singing, regularly performing with small vocal ensembles.
Oliver is equally committed to developing his skills as a conductor. He currently serves as Assistant Director of Music of the University of Huddersfield Choir, where he contributes to rehearsals, repertoire preparation, and performance direction and as of May 2025 he is the Assistant Musical Director of The Out Of The Box Singers In Halifax.
In addition to his work in Manchester and Huddersfield, Oliver is also a chorus member at the St Endellion Easter Festival, a celebrated annual gathering of musicians in Cornwall. Performing in this unique and inspiring environment has given him the opportunity to collaborate with a wide network of choral and orchestral musicians from across the UK.
Outside his musical endeavours, Oliver is a dedicated volunteer with The Scouts, holding various leadership and support roles across the country. This commitment reflects his passion for community engagement and his belief in the value of nurturing young people’s potential and serving the local community.
Oliver is the Assistant Director of Music for Huddersfield University Choir . Recent Highlights have been performances in Huddersfield Town Hall and Conducting the Choir Regularly.
Oliver has the great privilege of being the Assistant Musical Director of The Out Of The Box Singers in Halifax . A position he has held since May 2025. Recent Highlights have included Conducting in their Deck The Hall Concerts in Halifax Minster
Halle Choir
Oliver has been part of the Halle family of choirs since 2016 and has since progressed into the Halle Choir performing regularly with the Halle Orchestra.