Connor Lyster

Connor Lyster is a British conductor and percussionist whose artistic profile combines a strong orchestral background with an expanding conducting career across symphonic and operatic repertoire. His professional development reflects sustained engagement with leading UK orchestras, opera institutions, and youth ensembles.

He is currently active as both conductor and percussionist, maintaining a dual career.

Lyster has appeared as Guest Conductor with the BBC Philharmonic, Nottingham Philharmonic Orchestra, NEW Sinfonia and Stockport Symphony Orchestra. He has also conducted RNCM Opera productions and led ensembles including the RNCM Brand New Orchestra, New Ensemble and Ark Ensemble. As Assistant Conductor, he has worked with the BBC Philharmonic, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and The Hallé. He also served as Assistant Conductor at the International Opera Academy for a production of *Così fan tutte*.

In the field of youth orchestras, he was Associate Conductor of the Hampshire County Youth Orchestra (2021–2022) and has worked as Percussion Tutor with the Lancashire Youth Orchestra (2022–2025). His engagements further include conducting The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland as Guest Conductor.

Alongside his conducting activity, Lyster maintains a professional career as a percussionist. He has performed as Percussion Extra with The Hallé and the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and as Guest Principal Percussion with NEW Sinfonia.

Lyster holds a Bachelor of Music (Hons) in Percussion and Timpani (First Class Honours) from the Royal College of Music (2017–2021). He is currently completing a Master of Music in Conducting at the Royal Northern College of Music (2023–2025).

His conducting training includes masterclasses and workshops with:

• The Hallé Orchestra (November 2023; January 2025)
• Nicolás Pasquet (May 2024; November 2024; June 2025)
• Anthony Hermus (Opera Conducting Masterclass with RNCM Singers and Orchestra, March 2024; May 2025)
• Daniel Parkinson in collaboration with Northern Ballet (Ballet Conducting Workshop, March 2024)

He has been professionally active since 2017, with an increasing focus on conducting from 2021 onwards.