Polyphony Arts represents conductor and violist Nicholas Bootiman, for all conducting engagements. For performance enquiries, please contact maria@polyphonyarts.com
Nicholas Bootiman: Conductor
Nicholas Bootiman enjoys a dual career as conductor and violist, having recently been appointed principal violist of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Prior to this, he held a principal position with the Philharmonia Orchestra in London for over a decade, and currently as principal viola in Cercle de l’Harmonie.
In the last few years Nicholas has been shifting his focus to follow his true passion of conducting. Whilst playing under many of the world’s most celebrated conductors, Nicholas developed a unique perspective on the role, guided by musicians such as Esa-Pekka Salonen and Jérémie Rhorer.
Born in Germany, Nicholas was given a scholarship to study at the Purcell School in England and the Royal College of Music in London. Further studies took him to Prague and New England Conservatory in Boston, with Milan Skampa and Kim Kashkashian respectively, followed by conducting studies with Neil Thomson in London and Paris.
Alongside his orchestral posts he is in high demand as a guest principal with many orchestras in the UK and abroad.
As a conductor, Nicholas has a particular affinity for the classical and early romantic repertoire which has led to a particular interest in historical performance practice of these periods. He has assisted Jérémie Rhorer on major opera productions at Aix-en-Provence Festival, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées and Grand Théâtre de Luxembourg.
Nicholas is co-founder and Artistic Director of Echor Music, a groundbreaking new chamber orchestra and arts charity based in the Chiltern Hills.
“His talent and knowledge of music is reflected in his conducting, both in the clarity of what he wants and how he shows it…the musicians who have been conducted by Nick are conquered by his energy, clarity and devotion to music.”
– Jérémie Rhorer
“I have been impressed by the natural phrasing, organic tempos and his clear stick technique which doesn’t get in the way of the music making. He conveys the necessary information without decoration, and lives and breathes the music with his colleagues.”
– Esa-Pekka Salonen
Projects
2021-22 We are continously seeking orchestras and opera companies to work with Nicholas on a number of upcoming projects. For further information, please get in touch with us.
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Contact
For performance enquiries or further information about Nicholas’ work, please contact Maria Ayalde, Artist and Project Manager.