Oliver Hamilton-Box is a conductor, choir trainer and music educator based in Peterborough, with a particular passion for orchestral and choral performance. As founder and Artistic Director of Hamilton-Box Philharmonic Orchestra, he is committed to creating inspiring musical experiences for audiences, performers and young musicians alike.
Oliver’s musical journey began as a chorister at Peterborough Cathedral, where he developed a lifelong appreciation for the choral tradition and the power of live performance. He went on to study Music at the University of Huddersfield, specialising in orchestral and choral conducting under the internationally renowned conductor and teacher Natalia Luis-Bassa.
During his studies, Oliver founded and directed a number of ambitious musical projects, including a 90-piece film orchestra and the chamber choir Chorum Novum. Under his direction, Chorum Novum performed Thomas Tallis’s celebrated 40-part motet Spem in Alium in Wakefield Cathedral, a landmark project that reflected his enthusiasm for bringing musicians together to tackle large-scale and rewarding repertoire.
Alongside his conducting work, Oliver has extensive experience leading choirs and developing singers of all ages and abilities. He currently directs several choirs in the Peterborough area and serves as Choir Master for Summer Strings Peterborough, where he also coaches conducting and ensemble leadership.
Through Hamilton-Box Philharmonic Orchestra, Oliver aims to build a flexible professional ensemble dedicated to artistic excellence, collaboration and musical education. His vision is to create an orchestra that not only delivers outstanding performances but also supports choirs, schools and community partners in making high-quality live music accessible to wider audiences.
As a conductor, Oliver is particularly drawn to the great choral-orchestral repertoire, from the works of Mozart, Haydn and Handel to the rich traditions of the Romantic and contemporary eras. He believes that music has a unique ability to bring people together and is passionate about sharing that experience through performance, education and collaboration.
