Gabs as a Conductor
Tackling both Symphonic and Choral repertoire in London
Gabs honed his skills in choral and orchestral conducting during his Bachelor of Music degree course at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London.
Following his studies, he gained valuable experience working with the choirs of the Royal Hospital Chapel in Chelsea and Westminster Cathedral.
Conducting engagements
Since 2017 he regularly serves as a guest conductor for the St Giles Orchestra in Oxford, with concerts scheduled for 2026 and beyond.
Additionally, Gabs works as a deputy conductor in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire, available to lead rehearsals and sectional practices as needed.
"Gabs is utterly delightful, professional, knowledgeable, and coaxes the best out of everybody with infectious energy and humour."
Emily Ormerod
Leader of the St Giles Orchestra, Oxford
"Gabs' work as conductor of the St Edward's Chamber Orchestra has been outstanding: he has a fluid and clear conducting style and I have enjoyed playing violin in the orchestra under his direction."
Neville Creed
Artistic Director of the London Philharmonic Choir (1994-2025)
Gabriele's training as a Conductor
Gabs studied orchestral conducting under the late Alan Hazeldine and Noel Tredinnick at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.
He also trained in choral direction with Ian Curror at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea.
These experiences enabled him to successfully manage any situation involving leading a group of musicians towards a performance.
He has worked extensively with both professionals and amateur groups
Projects with schools and amateur musicians
During his time at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama from 1998 to 2002, Gabs frequently took the lead among his peers while studying advanced orchestral repertoire, such as Mahler's 5th Symphony and Wagner's Meistersinger Overture.
Subsequently, while at St Edward's School in Oxford, he trained and nurtured various instrumental ensembles, including the Chamber and Symphony Orchestras, which he conducted in numerous performances over the years
Work with Choirs
Gabs has led a diverse array of choirs, including the Lay Clerks of Westminster Cathedral, the Chapel Choir at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the Choir of St Mary’s Henley, the choirs of St Edward’s School in Oxford, and the Davey Consort at St Birinus in Dorchester-on-Thames. While at Our Lady’s in Abingdon, he established two new choral groups and directed multiple student musical theatre productions.
His repertoire encompasses both Roman Catholic and Church of England traditions, showcasing a timeline that ranges from early music to contemporary compositions.
If you would like Gabs to conduct or train your choral ensemble, please get in touch!
Work with Orchestras
Gabs is equally at home conducting professional and amateur instrumentalists. Through his school work, he has developed junior wind, brass, and string ensembles, later expanding his symphonic experience by regularly conducting student symphony orchestras. He is known for shaping a wide range of ensembles through focused rehearsal technique and long-term musical training.
In March 2013, Gabriele was a prize-winner at the Maestro Conducting Masterclass at the Abingdon Music Festival, an achievement that led to an enduring artistic partnership with the St Giles Orchestra, Oxford. Since 2017, the orchestra has continued to invite him as a guest conductor and rehearsal assistant, with further collaborations planned for 2026 and beyond.
https://www.stgilesorchestra.org.uk/
If you would like Gabs to conduct or train your own instrumental group or orchestra, please get in touch!
Gabs teaching Conducting
It is difficult to find a conducting teacher or an approachable musician to talk to about musicians' problems! Gabs offers conducting lessons and consultations from beginner to advanced level, bringing clarity, encouragement, and deep musical insight to the often daunting art of conducting.
Recognising that conducting is a lifelong craft, he supports students at every stage of their development, helping them build technique, confidence, and artistic authority.
His coaching covers core conducting and baton technique, score preparation, rehearsal planning, programme design, and an introduction to orchestration, while also engaging in detailed study of interpretation and conducting styles inspired by the great conductors of the past. Through this holistic approach, Gabs helps aspiring conductors develop a distinctive and informed musical voice.
If you would like to learn about conducting, share your experience and have occasional or regular lessons, please get in touch!
