Conductor

The Endcliffe Orchestra is conducted by Martin Lightowler. Martin has always been an active musician - singing, playing piano, oboe and composing - from an early age.  From the age of 13 he attended the Northern School of Music on Saturday mornings in Manchester (his home town) and played as principal oboe in the Manchester Youth Orchestra.

At the age of 18 Martin studied at Dartington College of Arts and started teaching three years later, in Sheffield, where he has since worked all of his professional life.

Martin achieved an ARCM on the oboe in 1975 and since moving to Sheffield has played in various amateur orchestras in the city.

Singing is another of Martin's loves, having performed with (amongst others) The Sheffield Chorale, The William Byrd singers in Manchester, Schola Gregoriana (Cambridge based) and more recently the Renaissance Voices.  In addition he was the conductor of Stannington Choral Society for some time and has occasionally deputised for the conductors of the Sheffield Chorale and the Sheffield Chamber Orchestra.

In the mid 90s Martin was asked to prepare the Sheffield Choir for the latest Roger Jones musical and has since that time conducted choirs for these Christian musicals on a number of occasions - both at St. Luke's church, Lodge Moor where he helps lead the Worship Group and for other tours by Roger.

Martin's love of many different kinds of music extends from the earliest to the most contemporary/avant-garde styles, including jazz and music from all over the world.

Martin is married to Pam, a keen singer, and together they have produced two young people (one of each flavour) who they hope will keep them warm and well fed in their old age.