CHRISTOPHER BINNS
Conductor | Composer | Arranger
About
Manchester based Conductor and Musician. Originating from the brass band movement as a trombonist with bands such as Black Dyke Band and Grimethorpe Colliery Band, Chris spent many years a freelance orchestral trombonist before deep-diving into the world of conducting, having gained a place at the prestigious Royal Northern College of Music in 2025 under the tutelage of Mark Heron and Clark Rundell.
Whilst at the RNCM Chris has undertaken masterclasses with Sir Mark Elder, Alpesh Chahuan, Christoph Aldestadt, John Storgards and Nico Pasquet whilst also working regularly as Assistant Conductor at the BBC Philharmonic and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.
Whilst in his first year at the RNCM made his debut with the BBC Philharmonic with performances of the BBC Ten Pieces
He has appeared as a guest conductor with local reputable amateur orchestras including Leeds Haydn Players, Stockport Symphony Orchestra and Westmorland Symphony Orchestra.
He is currently one of the most sought after conductors in the brass band movement as well as his increasing demand as an orchestral conductor.
Trombone
Chris came through the Brass Band movement originally as a trombone player. His father and grandfather both being heavily involved in brass bands.
A former Principal Trombone of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, he studied at the Royal Northern College of Music from 2013-17, during this time became Principal Trombone of the world famous Black Dyke Band during his first year of study - winning the European Championships in 2015, and touring New York and Japan, as well concerts and recordings across UK and Europe.
Notable highlights include being a finalist at the RNCM Concerto Competition, featuring as a soloist during a BBC Radio 3 Festival of music by Andreas Hillbourg - performing his 'Hautposaune', and also being a part of the RNCM Trombone Octet winning the International Trombone Association 'Emory Remington' Ensemble Competition - including being invited to perform a recital at the International Trombone Festival at Julliard School, New York.
As Chris' time at the RNCM progressed he became increasingly busy within the orchestral world, freelancing with orchestra's such as BBC Philharmonic, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, English National Ballet Halle Orchestra, Orchestra of Opera North, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Welsh National Opera to name a few! Completing trials at 4 of the above mentioned.
Brass Band Conducting
It was no surprise that given Chris' Father and Grandfather were both conductors, he too should follow the same path. Whilst a student at the RNCM Chris got his first taste of conducting, being asked to take his old band (Whitworth Vale & Healey) becoming the third generation to do so.
Chris's journey through Brass Band conducting has been extremely successful not only on the competition front (with Hebden Bridge Band, Milnrow Band and Kirkintilloch Band), but also in concerts - including Grimethorpe Colliery Band and being the youngest conductor to lead Black Dyke in concerts.
His success have earned him frequent glowing reviews and press attention, being praised for his "mature musical understanding" and dramatic and exciting interpretations"
