Welcome to my world of music!
Based in Berne, Switzerland, I am a British-Swiss musician fueled by a passion for high-caliber music-making, whilst enjoying every moment of the creative journey. My expertise spans the podium and the stage, seamlessly bridging different musical worlds. Holding Master’s degrees in conducting, trumpet, and guitar, I lead symphony orchestras and symphonic wind ensembles with equal fluency. From classical rigor to contemporary flair, I bring a rich, multi-faceted perspective to every score and pride myself on a rare stylistic versatility.
Find out more about my various escapades by clicking on one of the conductor / composer / guitarist links in the main menu.
Or to jump straight to the shop and purchase pdf sheet music of my compositions use these links:
I wish you a wonderful day filled with fun, love and music!
Make great music, whilst enjoying every moment!
Biography
David McVeigh is a British-Swiss musician fueled by a passion for high-caliber music-making, whilst enjoying every moment of the journey. Be it as a performer, conductor, or composer, David’s philosophy is clear: to make music of the highest quality regardless of the style. His expertise spans the podium and the stage; he leads symphony orchestras and symphonic wind ensembles, performs chamber music on guitar, composes, and educates with equal fluency, seamlessly bridging musical worlds. This exceptional artistic versatility—combined with an innate ability to cultivate a constructive, inspiring atmosphere—makes him a highly sought-after collaborator and leader.
Born in Hertfordshire, Britain, David was surrounded by music from a young age, taking up the piano and trumpet at age seven, followed by the classical guitar at eleven. This diverse combination of instruments, paired with a burning desire to perform in every ensemble available, gave him constant exposure to vastly different musical traditions.
From classical rigor to contemporary flexibility, David brings a rich, multi-faceted perspective to every score and prides himself on a rare stylistic versatility. He formalised this wide-ranging expertise at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London, before moving to Switzerland to study at the Hochschule Luzern – Musik. There, he graduated in 2008 with a Master of Arts in Music (Trumpet) and in 2010 with a Master of Arts in Orchestral Conducting, later adding composition to his professional portfolio.
Current
David McVeigh is currently musical director of the Symphony Orchestra Berner Musikkollegium, the Sommer Ensemble a project orchestra of Bern University and a sought after guest conductor and adjudicator for competitions, eg. Blasorchester Vivace, Junge Sinfonie Bern. He regularly composes for everything from Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Wind Orchestra to Guitar Solo. Guitar teaching and performances with Duo Phoenix (Flute&Guitar) and Doris&Dave (Voice&Guitar) round off his diverse career.
Career Highlights
Symphony Orchestras
Argovia Philharmonic
University Orchestra Bern - SommerEnsemble-
Berner Musikkollegium
Bridge Chamber Orchestra
Junge Sinfonie, Bern
Jugendorchester Köniz
Orchestra Giovanne
Wind Bands
Blasorchester Vivace
Musikverein Verena Wollerau
Projektorchester Berner Oberland -ProBo
Bern County Youth Symphonic Wind Ensemble VBJ
Oberaargauischer Blasmusik Camp
Conducting Competitions
Achieve first prize at the Swiss National Conducting Competition - Schweizerischer Dirigentenwettbewerb
Composition Commissions
Cascades of Light for Trumpet, Alto Sax and Symphonic Wind Band, commissioned by the County Youth Wind Band of Bern VBJ
Four Seasons on a Hill Commissioned by Blasorchester Vivace
Lake Dance written for Projektorchester Berner Oberland
Mega Musik Welt introductory work for music school teacher to present thier instruments to children.
Work with renowned soloists
Various Events and Soloists
Organise musical flash mob on the Bundesplatz
Conduct a cross-over musical with a symphony orchestra and jazz band
Conduct Musical Theater Family Concert „Der Josa mit der Zauberfiedel“ with Flunkerfee Miriflu
Evelyn Glennie - Percussion
Alexander Dubach - Violin,
Christian Holenstein - Horn
Nehad El Sayed - Oud
Joe Haider - Jazz Piano
Domenico Catalano - Bass Trombone
Cornelia Bots - Oboe
Stephanie Szanto - Voice.
Tours throughout Europe and to China
Master Classes
The constant quest to build his knowledge has seen David be an active participant in high profilemasterclasses with renowned conductors such as Bernard Haitink, Ralf Weikert, Douglas Bostock, Lior Schambadal, Peter Stark, Franco Cesarini, Rolf Schumacher and Isabel Ruf-Weber.
