Curriculum Vitae
“stunning and brilliantly realised” - The Guardian
“an intelligently conducted, vibrant performance” - musicweb international.
“Eager held the orchestra with poise and elegance” – Western Mail
Mark Eager is a highly experienced and exciting conductor with a wealth of knowledge in the orchestral field. Underpinning this is his experience as a world-class player, having worked full time with the BBC National Orchestra Wales as Principal Trombone and Soloist for 14 years. During this time Mark played the world premieres of concerti by Francaix, Pickard and Hoddinott for BBC Radio 3 and accumulated a vast recording portfolio in Radio, TV, Film and CD.
Since his appointment as Principal Conductor and Artistic Director of The Welsh Sinfonia in 2006 Mark has commissioned and premiered new works, most recently by Rhian Samuel 2011, John Hardy 2012 and Roxanna Panufnik 2013. Combining his roles Mark has diversified the WS repertoire by addressing audiences and introducing them to the music of composers such as Takemitsu and Piazzolla, this has helped to develop new audiences who enjoy this intimate and personal approach. Mark’s skills as an artistic director come from a clear grasp of musical idioms, developed from his extra studies as a pianist and violinist.
Mark has also secured Royal Patronage from The Earl of St. Andrews who is excited by Mark’s vision and dedication, leading The Welsh Sinfonia forward to become “Wales’ finest chamber orchestra” as described by BBC Radio 3.
Mark has a particular talent for and is dedicated to working with young people. Since his appointment as Conductor of Cardiff University Symphony Orchestra in 2008 he has provided students with challenging repertoire (Messiaen, Bartok, Adams amongst others) and professional coaching to enhance their overall educational experience. High profile concerts are regularly given in venues such as St. David’s Hall and BBC Hoddinott Hall.
Mark is also Principal Conductor of Hertfordshire Wind Sinfonia where he is passionate about the serious wind repertoire including programming pieces by Stravinsky, Hindemith, Holst, Florent Schmitt, Persichetti and more recently Kenneth Hesketh. Mark and HWS have recently recorded the world premiere of Adam Gorb’s Concertino for Saxophone and Classical Music Magazine reviewed his previous Holst CD as: “stunningly accomplished”.
Mark has appeared as guest conductor throughout the world and has a diverse range of repertoire and ensembles with which he can work. He has toured extensively to Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Egypt, Jordan, South Africa, France and Italy. 2011 invitations include trips to the Middle East and Australia.
Mark’s mature knowledge from inside the orchestral repertoire, make him unique as well as engaging and inspirational.
Qualifications
Dip. RAM; LRAM; ARCM;
BBC Concerto Commissions for Mark Eager
The Spindle of Necessity – John Pickard 1998
Concerto for Trombone – Alun Hoddinott 2004
Honours and Awards
Associate - Royal Academy of Music
Silver Medal - Worshipful Company of Musicians of London
Orchestral Recognition Award – International Trombone Association
