Ben Qureshi: Conductor

Ben Qureshi is a vibrant and inspiring 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, studying with Robin Browning.

In July 2024, Ben was awarded the Bob and Beryl Harding Conducting Bursary and made Assistant Conductor of the Havant Symphony Orchestra.

After graduating at the top of his year, Ben has continued his affiliation with Southampton University, taking the role of Musical Director of Southampton University Chamber Choir in 2024, and regularly conducts Southampton University Sinfonietta. 

He was appointed Chorus Master of the Slough Philharmonic and Musical Director of South-East Hampshire Youth Orchestra in 2025. After years playing with GYSO on trombone and as Assistant Conductor, he was delighted to be appointed Principal Conductor of Guildford Youth Symphony Orchestra in 2026

Josephine is a flautist currently studying as a postgraduate scholar at the Royal Northern College of Music, studying with Kevin Gowland, Cormac Henry, and Janet Richardson. Her studies are supported by the Wavendon Foundation and The Dobie Award. She completed her BMus degree at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, graduating with multiple prizes and a First-Class Honours degree after studying with Sarah Bennington, Matthew Featherstone, and Lindsey Ellis. During her time there, she performed with many ensembles, including a side-by-side with the Welsh National Opera.

A passionate chamber musician, she founded Res Novus, a guitar and flute duo, in 2022, and the Anatis Flute Trio in 2020, performing across the country in concerts and schools, including working with musical charities.

Music is more than performance to Josephine; she has worked as the Orchestral Manager at Wells Cathedral School, amongst other roles, and as an instrumental tutor. She teaches both privately and with One Education Music in Manchester, teaching woodwinds as well as leading two of their wind bands. She also works with the National Childrens' Orchestras as a support team member for both their projects and nationals courses.

In her spare time, she enjoys a hike, wild swim and plenty of chocolate!

Rachel is a tenor trombonist currently studying at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire for a degree in Music Performance under the tutelage of Richard Watkin and Anthony Howe. She is an avid fan of any orchestral music, although is aways happiest when it is particularly brass heavy! Her first GYSO course was playing Dvorak's New World Symphony and it is claimed to have been heard right down the high street.

Beyond orchestral music, she is an avid chamber musician, performing regularly with her award winning brass quintet Bridge St. Brass. In recent years, Rachel has taken a fascination to historical performance practice, with her Sackbut playing taking her across the country and to Italy, performing Italian renaissance music. 

Music extends beyond just playing for Rachel, teaching brass instruments, providing workshops within schools & communities and freelance work within in arts admin. 

Beyond music, she enjoys an early morning swim, painting and demolishing any chocolate in sight.