March Chorus Master

Ben Costello

Ben is a freelance musical director, adjudicator, singing coach and accompanist, working internationally. He is also Artistic Director of Thames Concerts, Founding Director of Kingston Chamber Singers, a lecturer at the University of Portsmouth, and a singing teacher at Tiffin Girls’ School.  Ben has been Chorus Master for the Leith Hill Musical Festival March concerts since 2014.

Ben is a busy generalist music adjudicator for the British and International Federation of Festivals since 2009, and judges at festivals throughout the UK and overseas, with recent visits to Zimbabwe, Botswana, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, and closer to home, Ireland, Scotland and the Isles of Man and Wight.   

A specialist in musical theatre, with his work in that field embracing musical direction, singing teaching, accompanying and dramaturgy, Ben has worked extensively for most of the leading London performing arts and music colleges.  Countless of his former students enjoy successful careers in London’s West End and beyond.

Born and based in London, Ben trained initially as a flautist, before majoring in piano, singing and conducting. His early career included répétiteur work for London opera companies and the London Symphony Orchestra.  He is a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Musicians, chairing the Company’s annual musical direction scholarship, and chairing the Company’s Jazz committee. 

Outside music Ben is a keen motorcyclist.