A teacher at Taunton School has completed a PhD and joined the prestigious London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Zachary Reading, Co-ordinator of Vocal & Instrumental Studies at Taunton School, has recently completed a PhD at Bangor University, earning the title Doctor of Music. As part of his submission, Dr Reading wrote two hours of music for chamber and orchestral ensembles, accompanied by an extensive written thesis. Zachary was supervised by notable Welsh composers, Dr Guto Puw and Professor Pwyll ap Siôn.

As well as completing his PhD, Zachary has also recently secured a position with the prestigious London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) as part of their Young Composers’ Scheme. The scheme will see him working with the orchestra during the 2024/25 season, as well as the Foyle Future Firsts, a group of talented upcoming performers also selected by the LPO.

During the scheme, Zachary will be mentored by Pulitzer Prize-winning Cuban American composer Tania León. The end result will see Zachary write a significant piece of work for chamber orchestra that will premiere in the Queen Elizabeth Hall at the Southbank Centre in 2025.

About the achievement, Zachary said: “I’m delighted to have finally reached the finish line of my PhD and to be selected to join the LPO at the same time is absolutely incredible and I am extremely proud. It has been a long journey to get here but I’m very excited for what the future holds.

“I’m grateful for the support my colleagues at Taunton School have shown me, as well as the enthusiasm and interest of my many passionate and inquisitive music students. Through teaching composing, it is a privilege to inspire young musicians to explore themselves and their interests through their own writing.”

Amongst the pieces written for his portfolio, Zachary’s music has been performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Idesta Saxophone Duo, Bangor New Music Ensemble and Taunton School Chapel Choir, as well as at the Bangor Music Festival, and Penarth Chamber Music Festival.

Zachary’s role at Taunton School sees him work with every music student at the school, whether they are playing their first notes or studying music at GCSE, A-Level or university level. Zachary also plays a key role in developing the school’s many ensembles, working with visiting music teachers on individual lessons, and leading any composition-related projects or aspects of each course.

Director of Music at Taunton School, Toby Carden, said: “Dr Reading is a huge asset to music at Taunton School – the academic example he has set for students with his PhD work is inspirational, and the specialist knowledge that he brings to work with individual musicians is invaluable.

“We are very lucky to be able to benefit from Dr Reading’s compositions and arrangements first-hand on a regular basis at school, and all of the Music Department staff and students are thrilled to hear about his well-deserved success in working with the London Philharmonic Orchestra this season.”