Ian Ritchie studied at the Royal College of Music (winning the Mario Grisi Prize for first year singers in 1972), Cambridge University (Trinity College – choral scholar)where he read Law and Music, and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. As an emerging solo artist he performed a wide range of operatic roles, sand the bass and baritone parts in numerous choral concerts and gave carefully programmed song recitals. At an early stage he was given the opportunity to follow a more curatorial, entrepreneurial and socially inclusive career path. Over 45 years, he has led a number of prominent British arts organisations, including the City of London Sinfonia (and the Richard Hickox Singers, its professional choir), the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Opera North, St Magnus Festival (Orkney) and the City of London Festival.

This year Ian was given the chance to return to artistic direction in the City of London and within just six months, he has created and curated a new multidisciplinary event, the City Festival of Music, Invention & Knowledge, which runs from 10 th to 24 th October 2024. He is married to Dame Kathryn McDowell (managing director of the LSO) and divides his time between London and Kirkwall (Orkney). Meanwhile, coming full circle, he continues his vocal studies and remains active as a classical solo singer.