Ben Qureshi is an orchestral and choral conductor based in the South of England. A trombonist and singer in his childhood, Ben first took up the baton at university, becoming Assistant Conductor of the Southampton University Symphony Orchestra in 2021. He spent a year abroad in Paris, studying Musicology at the Sorbonne, specialising in orchestral and operatic music from the 19th and early 20th Century. Upon his return from France, Ben decided to pursue conducting more seriously and became involved with several orchestras in Hampshire during his final year at university.
Ben graduated at the top of his year from Southampton University, and was awarded the 'Edward Wood Memorial Prize for Outstanding Academic Achievement in Music' and the 'Languages, Cultures and Linguistics Award for Outstanding Academic Performance in French Language'. Since graduation, Ben has continued his affiliation with Southampton University, taking the role of Musical Director of Southampton University Chamber Choir in 2024, and he has a continuing relationship with Southampton University Sinfonietta.
In July 2024, Ben was awarded the Bob and Beryl Harding Conducting Bursary and made Assistant Conductor of the Havant Symphony Orchestra and after two successful seasons, was appointed their Chief Conductor for the 2026-27 season.
Following his successful tenure as Assistant Conductor of Havant Symphony Orchestra, he was appointed Musical Director of South-East Hampshire Youth Orchestra in 2025.
Following successful engagements as a soloist and guest singer for the Slough Philharmonic Chorus, he was appointed as Chorus Master in 2025 and works regularly with their resident orchestra.
Having served as their Assistant Conductor for three years, Ben was appointed as the Chief Conductor of Guildford Youth Symphony Orchestra in 2026.
On top of his busy conducting schedule, Ben is a qualified teacher and teaches Music at a secondary school in Maidenhead.