Music Director/Conductor

We have been very fortunate to have wonderful conductors throughout the existence of the group.  Hugh Johnston first began leading the Kingston Community Strings in the 2020-2021 season.

Mr. Johnston was a regular player in the Kingston Symphony trumpet section from 2001 to 2012 and is an award-winning music educator (Juno Award ‘MusiCounts Teacher of the Year’ in 2012 —see: https://www.queensu.ca/gazette/alumnireview/stories/instrumental-education). He has trained as a musician and conductor at Queen’s University, the University of Calgary and the University of London (U.K.). His expressive and communicative conducting style, as well as his work in music education, has enabled him to conduct performances at Orchestra Hall in Chicago, Carnegie Hall in New York, and Cadogan Hall in London – home of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

In addition to orchestral work, he has conducted numerous musicals, operettas, choirs, bands, and brass ensembles and was the founder and artistic director of Kingston Summer Music, a summer program for Kingston’s youth. Mr. Johnston is currently also the conductor of the Kingston Youth Orchestra.