Dr Michael Downes became the first full-time Director of Music at the University of St Andrews in 2008, having previously held a similar position at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge.  He read English and Music at King's College, Cambridge and completed a doctorate on Debussy at the University of Sussex. He is a reviewer for the Times Literary Supplement, and has lectured on music and opera for organisations including the Royal Opera House and Glyndebourne.

 

He is the author of a highly praised study of contemporary British composer Jonathan Harvey. Since moving to Scotland, he has established St Andrews Opera and has become the musical director of the St Andrews Chorus.