In the blood: Elder conducts the Hallé in The Dream Of Gerontius in Manchester

After studying History at Leicester University, Richard trained as an actor at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and subsequently worked in theatres in London, Nottingham, Sheffield and Chester. He is the author and performer of several one-man shows, including the acclaimed Wagner: Journey Into Genius. His other writing interests include politics, culture, film and theatre. Richard’s principal devotion is to opera and music drama, especially those of Wagner and Strauss. He has an additional attachment to under-exposed late and post-Romantic composers such as Schreker and Shoeck. He also enjoys the symphonic and chamber music of this period.