IAN McMILLAN – Artistic Director and Principal Conductor

During music studies at London's Guildhall School of Music & Drama, and private study and assisting  West End Music Directors, Sandy Faris,
Cyril Ornadel, and TV's MD, Harry Rabinowitz,  it was only a matter of time before Ian made his debut as a Music Director in London’s West End.

In fact, he made theatrical history by being the 'youngest ever' Musical Director to make a his debut, when aged 24, he took over the baton for the London Palladium production of the MGM stage adaptation of
Singin In The Rain  starring Tommy Steele and Roy Castle.

This was immediately followed by a decade of shows in the West End, the highlight of which was working with the Hollywood legend with the 'legs insured for a million dollars’ - Cyd Charrise,  in Harold Fielding’s spectacular revival of the 60's musical, Charlie Girl, also starring  Dora Bryan,
Paul Nicholas & Nicholas Parsons!

In 2000, Ian was invited by Sir Cameron Mackintosh to musically direct his revival of Oliver!,  which also gave Ian the opportunity to work closely with showbiz icon, Lionel Bart, Russ Abbott and Gary Wilmot as Fagin.

Ian’s specialist knowledge and expertise in Musicals, result in invitations to conduct broadcasts on BBC Radio 2 with The BBC Radio Orchestra  in
Songs From The Shows,  and  BBC Radio's Live Music Flagship Show,
Friday Night is Music Night  with The BBC Concert Orchestra.

Ian has also been a Guest conductor for Royal Variety Shows for BBC TV, and numerous Telethons for Sky & Thames TV.

As Principal Conductor and Artistic Director of The London Pops Orchestra and Singers  for 30 years, Ian enjoys programming, conducting and presenting their varied and popular concerts of Music from Stage & Screen worldwide, including several appearances at London’s Royal Albert Hall,
The Barbican, and London Palladium,  and recording over 100 TV & Film soundtracks for all of the major TV networks.

Ian was Music Director for Bond Girl, Honor Blackman’s one women shows, and together they have presented them worldwide over the last five years.

Reflecting his passion and  lifelong commitment to Operetta, Ian was Music Associate for the Brent Walker/BBC2 Video series of The Gilbert and Sullivan and Offenbach Operettas filmed at Shepperton Studios, with Opera Singers and TV stars in the 1980's accompanied by The London Symphony Orchestra and Ambrosian Opera Chorus. They have recently been re issued on DVD, and feature regularly on Sky Arts TV.

In 2002, Ian was invited to revive  The Carl Rosa Opera Company, and spent three years touring internationally and conducting over 1.000 performances of The Mikado,  Iolanthe, The Yeoman of The Guard, and Die Fledermaus  to critical acclaim.

In 2005, Ian formed The London Operetta Company, who specialise in presenting Gilbert & Sullivan For Fun performances with the audience as the chorus! (www.gands4u.net )

Ian now presents and conducts his entertaining mix of Music from Stage & Screen with many UK & International Orchestra’s including The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus, Bournemouth Symphony,
New York City Pops , (with members of the Broadway cast of The Phantom of The Opera)  The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra  (CD with Lesley Garrett),
The Northern Sinfonia, The English National Opera   in concert, and
The Welsh National Opera  and Birmingham Royal Ballet  on tour, and
The Philharmonia Orchestra and Chorus at The Royal Albert Hall. London for Raymond Gubbay Ltd.

Artistic Director Ian McMillan and Executive Director Quentin Poole with Patrons Gloria Hunniford and David Jacobs DL MBE.

Orchestral Personnel Ian McMillan - Principal Conductor / Artistic Director Quentin Poole - Executive Director Steve Dinwoodie - Personnel Manager Patrons: David Jacobs DL MBE Gloria Hunniford Barbara Knox

Recent Star Singers and Guest Presenters include the following, although we are happy to ask any Star Presenter of your choice subject to availability.

Honor Blackman – Film & Television
Petula Clark – International Singer
Helen Hobson – Musicals/Television
Ronnie Corbett – Comedian
Gary Wilmot - Television and Musicals
Kim Criswell - International Musicals/ Opera/ Cabaret
Marilyn Hill Smith - BBC Radio 2 / International Soprano
Barbara Knox - Television / Cabaret / Coronation Street
Su Pollard - Television and Theatre
Rosie Ashe - BBC Radio 2 / Musicals / Opera
John Ayldon - International Gilbert & Sullivan / Opera Artist
John Leslie - Television Presenter
Toby Anstis - Television Presenter
Tim Vincent - Presenter / Actor
Mary Carewe - Radio / Musicals / Opera
Jacqui Scott - Radio / Musicals / Television
Jacqui Dankworth - Musicals / Jazz / Cabaret / Concerts
Henry Kelly - Presenter / Radio / Television
Glyn Kerslake - Musicals / Radio
Michael Dore - Musicals / Concerts
David Jacobs - Radio / Television Presenter