Paul Hughes

Paul Hughes is widely recognised as one of the leading figures in classical music, uniting visionary leadership with a lifelong commitment to mentoring young musicians. Following his studies at King’s School, Worcester, and Trinity College of Music, London, he held senior roles including Chief Executive of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, General Manager of the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestra, and Director of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Chorus and Singers (1999–2022).

He has served on juries for major international competitions including Svetlanov, Besançon, Honens, Hamamatsu, Long-Thibaud-Crespin and Iturbi, and works extensively as a mentor and lecturer at leading conservatoires across Europe and Asia. Currently Programming and Mentoring Director for the Lead Foundation (Finland) and a board member of Welsh National Opera, Hughes is an Honorary Fellow of Trinity College of Music, the Guildhall School, and the Royal College of Music. In 2019, he was appointed Knight First Class of the Order of the Lion of Finland.