Sebastian Charlesworth is a conductor who thrives on bringing people together through music — whether shaping the sound of a large choral society, refining the detail of a chamber ensemble, or guiding professional musicians through new and ambitious projects. Since stepping onto the podium in 2018, he has built a reputation for rehearsals that are purposeful, good‑humoured and musically alive, and for programmes that feel fresh, thoughtful and genuinely exciting to perform.
Sebastian began his conducting journey with New Sussex Singers, quickly followed by Heathfield Choral Society, where he has developed long‑term artistic relationships and a shared sense of musical identity. His work with these ensembles is marked by an atmosphere that encourages singers to take risks, learn, listen deeply, and enjoy the process of creating something bigger than themselves.
Alongside his permanent posts, Sebastian has conducted a wide range of ensembles across the South‑East and London, including Sonoro, The Epiphoni Consort, Vocals Unlimited Choir, Linden Baroque Orchestra and The Baroque Collective. He also directs his own ad-hoc professional groups — Halcyon Voices and South East Sinfonia.
Sebastian’s programming is driven by curiosity and connection: he enjoys pairing familiar repertoire with contemporary voices, creating concerts that introduces the audiences (and singers) to a plethora of new voices in this current golden age of choral music. Whether designing a season for a choral society or shaping a one‑off professional project, he aims for programmes that feel coherent, imaginative and rewarding for performers and audiences alike.
His experience as a professional session singer informs his conducting with a strong ear for blend, precision and stylistic flexibility. He has recorded for major film, television and game soundtracks with groups such as London Voices, Metro Voices and Dynamic Vocals, and in 2024 stepped onto the podium at Abbey Road Studios himself to conduct his first film score — Good Fortune (Carter Burwell).
Sebastian’s work continues to expand through new collaborations, guest appearances and creative projects. At the heart of everything he does is a simple aim: to help musicians — amateur or professional — feel inspired, confident and proud of the music they create together.
Sebastian began his conducting journey with New Sussex Singers, quickly followed by Heathfield Choral Society, where he has developed long‑term artistic relationships and a shared sense of musical identity. His work with these ensembles is marked by an atmosphere that encourages singers to take risks, learn, listen deeply, and enjoy the process of creating something bigger than themselves.
Alongside his permanent posts, Sebastian has conducted a wide range of ensembles across the South‑East and London, including Sonoro, The Epiphoni Consort, Vocals Unlimited Choir, Linden Baroque Orchestra and The Baroque Collective. He also directs his own ad-hoc professional groups — Halcyon Voices and South East Sinfonia.
Sebastian’s programming is driven by curiosity and connection: he enjoys pairing familiar repertoire with contemporary voices, creating concerts that introduces the audiences (and singers) to a plethora of new voices in this current golden age of choral music. Whether designing a season for a choral society or shaping a one‑off professional project, he aims for programmes that feel coherent, imaginative and rewarding for performers and audiences alike.
His experience as a professional session singer informs his conducting with a strong ear for blend, precision and stylistic flexibility. He has recorded for major film, television and game soundtracks with groups such as London Voices, Metro Voices and Dynamic Vocals, and in 2024 stepped onto the podium at Abbey Road Studios himself to conduct his first film score — Good Fortune (Carter Burwell).
Sebastian’s work continues to expand through new collaborations, guest appearances and creative projects. At the heart of everything he does is a simple aim: to help musicians — amateur or professional — feel inspired, confident and proud of the music they create together.