IAN BUTTERWORTH was born in Wimbledon and studied at the Royal College of Music as a Junior Exhibitioner and at Nottingham and London Universities. For many years he was Head of String Teaching in the London Borough of Croydon, teaching in schools and being responsible for organising rehearsals and concerts for string players, and he later was appointed Director of the Croydon Music Service. Ian has also conducted the senior orchestras at the Bryanston International Suzuki Summer School for many years.
As a violinist, Ian led the Morley College Chamber and Salomon Orchestras for several years, playing under such distinguished conductors as Andrew Davis, Simon Rattle, John Eliot Gardiner and Lawrence Leonard. He has also led orchestras for Bryden Thomson, Rumon Gamba and Edward Gardner. As conductor of the Croydon Youth and the Greater Gwent Youth Orchestras he has directed performances in Amsterdam, Budapest, Luxembourg, Zurich, Paris and in the Czech Republic and Italy. Ian was Musical Director and conductor of the Erato Orchestra until 2022 giving over 200 concerts and specialising in performing the lesser-known symphonies of Haydn.
CLICK HERE for link to the Erato Orchestra
CLICK HERE for link to Helen Butterworth‘s music for string groups & ensembles
CLICK HERE for link to the Salomon Orchestra
What People Say
‘Ian Butterworth conducted our teenage orchestras at the London Suzuki Group’s Bryanston Summer School for many years and often included some of his wonderful arrangements such as De Falla’s The Miller’s Dance and his own compositions including Fiesta and Camptown Races. These pieces were very attractive to both players and audience. Highly recommended!’
Christine Livingstone, Director of Bryanston Summer School 1989-2016
‘Ian Butterworth’s compositions show flair, style, sensitivity and creativity, and I have also used many of his attractive arrangements for violin and viola groups and string orchestra, ranging from beginner to advanced level.’
Heather Clemson, Director BSI Midlands Violin Teacher Training Course, Deputy Head – Music Service Birmingham (retired) and Advanced Skills Teacher
Ian Butterworth Music 