Vox pop with conductor Chris Hopkins 

Liz Nicholls

We chat to Chris Hopkins, the new artistic director of Amersham Festival of Music, about music & his love for local life

Chris Hopkins’ parents weren’t musicians… “but we did have a Casio keyboard,” recalls Chris, 39, a professional conductor and pianist who has been playing music for as long as he can remember. “I was sold on the ‘bossa nova’ button aged four, and from there I started learning piano and violin first with my auntie and then with other brilliant teachers.”  

Chris began conducting in his late teens and now his career is a happy mix of the two. “A lot of my work has been in opera which would have been a surprise to teenage me,” he adds. “I’ve also worked with orchestras all over the country, and I recently started working at the Royal Academy of Music where I was a student some years ago – a place with an amazing energy and a terrifying amount of talent.  

“My brilliant wife and I have been happily married for 10 years. We have two wonderful, and hilarious, children Emma and Louis, and a new rescue cat, thanks to Cats Protection.” 

Chris & his family have lived in Chesham, a couple of minutes’ walk from The Queen’s Head, for six years. “We love this area, the independent businesses, walks, and the warm, friendly people. Our children have had great times at Hyde Heath and Great Missenden schools. Louis is in reception with Mrs Rolfe who is a legend, and we’ve been lucky to have a string of wonderful teachers. One of the highlights for Emma was when Little Missenden Festival organised John Webb – composer, educator and music leader extraordinaire – to run workshops in Hyde Heath and other schools, culminating in a performance with songs the children had written. It’s a reminder how integral live music should be in the curriculum to inspire young minds. 

“We love a high street wander – in Chesham it’s got to involve a stop in Roots, Amersham is often coffee at Sycamore and something naughty from Nena or the old town market, and we enjoy Great Missenden market after a walk in the park. We adore The Queen’s Head, a Sunday walk to the Boot & Slipper and Colombo 7 is top of the list for special occasions. 

“This year’s is the first Amersham Festival I’ve been involved in. It’s been Iain Ledingham’s final festival as artistic director, after over 40 years in charge. In October we start the winter series, the first I’ve had a hand in programming. There’s lots to look forward to, including an epic two-piano concert in the round at the King’s Church in November, a brilliant internationally renowned big band and more! 

“I’m a member of Chiltern Creative, a great group for meeting creative people. From a musician’s point of view it’s quite incredible how many musicians live in this area: half the BBC Symphony Orchestra for one! We are members at 1879 Tennis Club which is amazing for the kids and gets my step count up too.”