David Elliott

David was invited to join the Board of EYO in 2014, just after the Orchestra’s 50th anniversary concert in the Usher Hall, becoming Chairman in 2017.

David was born in London, and after studying for a B.Mus. degree at Royal Holloway College, University of London, he was appointed to teach in the Music Department at The Latymer School in north London in 1981. After five years he was promoted to Director of Music and spent a total of 23 years at the school. In 1993, David led a choir and orchestra from the school to take part in the Vienna International Youth and Music Festival. The Latymer School group shared hotel accommodation in Vienna with Edinburgh Youth Orchestra and David got to know their remarkable General Manager, Marjory Dougal. The two groups combined for a memorable concert in the Haydnsaal of the Esterhazy Palace in Eisenstadt as part of the festival.

David moved to Edinburgh in the summer of 2004 when he was appointed Director of Music at George Watson’s College, and renewed his acquaintance with Marjory and EYO. He retired from full-time teaching at Watson’s in the summer of 2022, but in retirement has continued to teach on a part-time basis at St Mary’s Music School in Edinburgh.

David is a member of the Independent Society of Musicians and is also a Liveryman in the Worshipful Company of Musicians and a Freeman of the City of London.