Leo Jaffrey - Conductor
Leo Jaffrey
Principal Conductor, RRO
Leo Jaffrey is a New Zealand-born conductor currently based in Birmingham, UK, renowned for his dynamic leadership and passion for harnessing the transformative power of music. Deeply committed to the belief that music can profoundly influence people’s lives, Leo views conducting as an art form that creates space for musicians to excel, blending individual brilliance into unified, emotionally compelling performances.Leo honed his conducting expertise in New Zealand before moving to the UK. From 2017 to 2022, he led ensembles such as the University of Auckland Concert Band and the North Shore Concert Band. These experiences sharpened his leadership and interpretive skills, laying the foundation for more complex roles. As a Conducting Fellow with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Leo worked under the mentorship of prominent conductors like Hamish McKeich, Gemma New, and James Judd, significantly shaping his technical and artistic approach.His commitment to artistic growth led him to Birmingham, where he graduated with distinction in 2023 with a Postgraduate Diploma in Orchestral Conducting from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
While there, Leo served as assistant conductor for both the Symphony Orchestra and the Opera performances, working closely with established conductors like Michael Seal and Anthony Kraus. Masterclasses with figures such as Paul Murphy, Nicholas Collon, and Giordano Bellincampi have further broadened his musical perspective.
An accomplished composer, Leo has received multiple commissions, with his works performed and recorded by leading orchestras, including the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. His compositions have earned several accolades, including the Douglas Mews Choral Composition Prize, the Douglas Lilburn Composition Prize (2nd place), and a University of Auckland Blues Award. These experiences have deepened his appreciation for the conductor-composer relationship, enriching his approach to both disciplines.
Beyond his conducting and composing work, Leo is an accomplished bass-baritone, performing with renowned ensembles like Voices New Zealand Chamber Choir and the New Zealand Youth Choir. He has appeared at major venues alongside the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and has also sung with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall. His instrumental proficiency as a saxophonist and percussionist gives him a well-rounded understanding of both vocal and instrumental music, further complementing his musical language.
Leo’s dedication to fostering musical communities also extends to his administrative roles. As North Island Vice-President of the New Zealand Concert Bands’ Association (2018–2022), he actively supported the development of concert bands across the country. Earlier, as President of the School of Music Students’ Association, he successfully advocated against University cutbacks to the music department and library services, reflecting his broader commitment to nurturing musicians and sustaining the arts.
Now serving as Principal Conductor of the Romantic Revival Orchestra and Artistic Director of the newly founded Tahi Ensemble, Leo continues to shape the musical landscapes of both New Zealand and the UK. His innovative programming, combined with his deep belief in the power of music to connect and inspire, fuels his ongoing mission to create meaningful, resonant performances that captivate and move audiences.