Derek Clark

Derek Clark, born in Glasgow, is an International Visiting Professor at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM). An Honours graduate of the RSAMD and the University of Durham, he studied at the London Opera Centre before joining Welsh National Opera as a repetiteur in 1977. He made his professional conducting debut in 1981 and has been Head of Music at Scottish Opera since 1997, conducting over 25 operas for the company. His recent focus on contemporary music includes leading Scottish Opera’s Five:15 project and premiering works by composers like James MacMillan and Philip Glass.

Clark also works extensively as an accompanist and Guest Coach at major conservatoires, including the National Opera Studio. Since 2011, he has served as Musical Director of Dundee Choral Union and, since 2014, as Director of Music at Helensburgh Parish Church. His career spans academic collaboration, performance, and music direction, with a strong emphasis on vocal and operatic training.