MEET OUR CONDUCTORS
Michael Kohn
Symphony Conductor
Michael is a conductor and French horn player studying for a PhD in Maths at Durham. As a conducting student he learns with Alice Farnham, John Longstaff and Karen Ni Bhroin. During his time at Durham he has received masterclasses with Tess Jackson, Dinis Sousa and Peter Stark.
He is excited to be a participant on the 2026 St Andrews conducting course with Sian Edwards this summer. Previously he was a participant in the advanced class of the 2025 Girton Conducting course, and attended courses led by Peter Stark.
Michael started conducting as a member of the London Schools' Symphony Orchestra. In 2019, he set up Kohncertino, a chamber orchestra for London conservatoire and university student. During his time in Durham he has conducted DUPO chamber, which he then reformed into the Palatinate Ensemble, and was also the musical director for Durham Opera Ensemble’s award-winning production of Iolanthe in Durham and at the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival.
His other experience includes over ten years as a horn player, holding an Ash Scholarship at Imperial where he learnt with Simon Rayner at the Royal College of Music, and subsequently holding the Principal Horn seats at the top Cambridge and Durham orchestras. He hopes to pursue music after finishing his PhD.
Zac is a conductor, flautist and singer going into his final year studying music. Initially, he formed a chamber ensemble
of local musicians in his hometown in Surrey, and has continued to conduct a range of local
orchestras and projects. Other conducting highlights have included a performance of the
Typewriter by Leroy Anderson at the Queen Elizabeth Hall and a work with the National
Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain. In Durham, Zac’s main conducting engagements have been in the Musical Theatre scene, including conducting and Musically Directing Will Todd’s Alice Adventures in Wonderland, Guys and Dolls and Pippa Cleary’s Adrian Mole.
Zac has had lessons with John Longstaff and has also received advice from John Landor, Alice Farnham and Peter Stark. In 2026, Zac was offered the role of Musical Director and Conductor in the Scherzo Ensemble Opera in Practice programme. He will also conduct the Dunelm Consort of Players for this academic year as well as holding the role of President of Durham Student Music.
Zac is also a flautist who has built up extensive solo and orchestral experience. Since arriving in
Durham with a Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship for Music, he has held principal flute roles with both DUOS and DUPO orchestras. Previously, he has played with the National Youth Orchestra of Great
Britain, English Schools’ Orchestra and National Children’s Main Orchestra amongst many
others. He spent his youth playing with Stoneleigh Youth Orchestra for 9 years, including 3 as principal flautist. Zac currently studies flute with Helena Gourd, and has achieved
ARSM and LTCL diplomas.
As a Tenor singer, he has held scholarships with St John’s and University College Chapel Choirs.
This year, he will become a Junior Lay Clerk at Newcastle Cathedral, having deputised regularly since 2025. He is also a member of
the National Youth Choir of Great Britain, for which he performed at the Last Night of the Proms 2025.
Zac looks forward to a second year with DUOS Chamber and is excited for the year ahead!
Zac Smith
Chamber Conductor